House passes legislation setting alternative energy goals for Oklahoma

The bill, authored by House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, creates the Oklahoma Energy Security Act.

The legislation creates a renewable energy standard for Oklahoma, which will set a goal for the state that aims to best utilize the state’s abundant natural resources. The renewable energy standard will be that 15 percent of all electricity generated within the state by the year 2015 be generated from renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, geothermal and energy conservation efforts.

“Oklahoma has led the way nationally in alternative energy development, and this legislation will help ensure we continue to do so as we seek to reduce our country’s dependence on dangerous foreign oil,” Benge said. “This goal will help expand alternative energy development and usage in Oklahoma, all while also serving as an economic development tool for our state.”

The legislation would not serve as a mandate, but instead set a goal for Oklahoma energy companies to meet. It calls for the state to work with the Corporation Commission and Southwest Power Pool to develop plans to expand transmission capacity in Oklahoma.

The bill also works to increase the number of compressed natural gas fueling stations in the state by setting a goal of having one public CNG fueling station located approximately every 100 miles along the entire interstate highway system in the state by the year 2015.

“We will continue to push officials in Washington to take note of our progressive reforms with the hope of influencing federal energy policy,” Benge said. “Our country’s energy security is intricately tied to our economic and national security. It is vital we continue to push this issue both at the local and federal level to further reduce our dependence on OPEC oil.”

The bill passed the House with a vote of 91-3 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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