Energy has been a huge topic of conversation this year at the Capitol and throughout the state. Much legislation was proposed, including bills to restrict some forms of energy. I strove to strike more of a middle ground, knowing Oklahoma for years has benefitted from many different types of energy production, but some reasonable regulations are needed on some of the newer technologies. A few of my bills on this issue advanced this past week.
House Bill 2155 passed overwhelmingly in the House on March 5. This bill would establish a procedure for the Corporation Commission to promulgate rules for the permitting and regulation of renewable energy facilities in this state. The process would allow a similar path to that of the oil and gas industry that has been in place for decades now. This is not designed to be restrictive but allows for area landowner notification, includes a complaint resolution process, and assesses a permit for a fee based on the size, scope and capacity for all new projects.
On the topic of energy, we had many visitors to the Capitol on March 4 for Clean Energy Day, hosted by the Advanced Power Alliance. I met with many people representing landowners both supporting and opposing legislation to further regulate the energy industry. These conversations are always helpful.
On that same note, House Bill 2156 passed unanimously in the Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee and now is eligible for consideration in the full house. This measure is an effort to establish reasonable regulations on the rapidly expanding large commercial solar generation facilities and industrial battery storage centers here in the state. We currently have zero regulations on these types of facilities. Several of these requirements match what have been in place for wind facilities for a number of years. The measure preserves property rights for individual landowners choosing to participate in these projects, while accounting for the rights of adjacent neighbors.
In a separate area of law, House Bill 2158 also passed unanimously in the House Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee. It too is now eligible to be heard by all members. This is a request bill from the Oklahoma Automobile Dealers Association and is the result of months of negations between constituent franchise dealers and original equipment manufacturers. Oklahoma has been a franchise state for over 70 years to provide protections and accountability within automobile retailing. This act includes language that manufacturers would be able to include in the sales and service agreements that dealers must agree to every five years.
And just like that, it's tornado season in Oklahoma. I'm grateful that most of our district avoided the most severe weather this week, but we did receive some moisture. Much more of the latter is needed.
Please remember, if I can help you with something, do not hesitate to reach out. You also can follow regular updates on my House Facebook page or call or email anytime at (405) 557-7407 o r Mike.Dobrinski@okhous e.gov.
Mike Dobrinski serves District 59 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Dewey and parts of Blaine, Garfield, Kingfisher and Woodward counties.