House Bill 2118 was signed by Governor Kevin Stitt this week. It clarifies language regarding when wind farm developers need to get clearance from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration before building.
Rep. Charles Ortega is HB 2118’s House author. He says the legislation will help prevent situations like last year’s NextEra conflict in western Oklahoma while protecting training airspace for military installations.
“Oklahoma has an abundance of airspace available that is used by the Department of Defense during lower-level military training,” Ortega said. “Oklahoma has survived previous base realignments and closures. If we don’t protect our airspace, we run the risk of that training moving elsewhere, but it’s also important to ensure we develop legislation that allows ample opportunity for wind energy companies to move into our state.”
Oklahoma isn’t the only state trying to find a solution to insure wind farms don’t encroach on military airspace.
“Many states across the country are trying to find a solution to the same problem,” said Mike Cooper, Chairman of Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission. “HB2118 protects our state’s number one asset, which is available airspace. It helps us protect military’s mission capabilities and is considered to be landmark legislation by the Department of Defense.”
Senate author Senator Gary Stanislawski feels it is important to protect the state’s military assets while allowing for development of wind farms.
“Protecting military airspace is important to our national defense, but we also need to acknowledge that our bases in Oklahoma are an important part of our economy,” Stanislawski said. “Likewise, renewable energy is also important to our state’s economy and in meeting current and future energy needs. This legislation is aimed at addressing both of these areas. I was gratified to work with Representative Ortega on this measure, and I want to thank our fellow legislators and the governor for their support.”
HB 2118 goes into effect immediately.
