Energy

Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, today commented on the Oklahoma House of Representatives' defeat of Senate Bill 2 , a bill he argued would set a dangerous precedent before later being overturned in court. In his debate against the bill, Archer, who serves as chair of the House Energy Committee, argued the Fifth Amendment protects the right to private property. "It plainly says, if government takes your property, it owes you just compensation," Archer said. "That principle isn’t optional. It’s not up for debate." Archer argued that SB2 would open the door for counties to enact "viewshed restrictions" that amount to public takings without compensation. "Let’s not sugarcoat it: this bill gives local government the power to take from one private citizen in the name of another’s preference," he said. "That is not conservative. That is not constitutional." Archer challenged the idea of allowing counties to override citizens' constitutional rights through a simple majority vote, pointing out that "rights don't disappear based on a local vote." He said SB2 would let a group "vote away your right to use your land. That’s not democracy. and the Constitution exists to prevent that. And even if this body passes it, the courts will strike it down. I’d rather get it right today." The measure failed 44-49 on Tuesday evening. However, notice was served that the vote may be reconsidered.

House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert today applauds the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) confirmation that the proposed Delta-Plains National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) will not proceed in its designation process. This decision marks a significant victory for Oklahoma communities and reinforces the power of grassroots advocacy and local input. “This announcement is a testament to the voices of Oklahomans who stood together to defend their land, livelihoods and local autonomy,” said Speaker-Elect Hilbert, R-Bristow. “The proposed transmission line would have imposed an unnecessary burden on our communities without clear local benefits, and we are pleased that the Department of Energy has recognized the concerns raised by our citizens.” The DOE confirmed the decision in a statement from Kristen Nawoj, spokesperson for the Grid Deployment Office, noting that the Delta-Plains NIETC would not advance into the next phase of the designation process. The DOE also announced plans to release updated maps and details for other proposed NIETCs the week of December 16, as well as to invite further public input. “Oklahoma has always been a leader in energy production and innovation, but we firmly believe that development must respect our communities and their voices,” said Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa. “While we are encouraged by this outcome, we remain committed to working with our federal partners to ensure that Oklahoma’s interests are respected in any future energy infrastructure decisions.” The proposed Delta-Plains NIETC had drawn widespread controversy from landowners, who raised concerns about its potential impact on property rights. "We will continue to monitor developments and advocate for policies that align with our state’s values and priorities," said Hilbert.

Oklahoma House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert filed House Concurrent Resolution 1001 today, which vows to take all legislative action available to prevent the establishment of an eighteen-mile wide federal energy corridor in Oklahoma. There is a town hall tonight at 6 p.m. at the Creek County Fairgrounds to discuss the proposed 18-mile-wide corridor, which could authorize the confiscation of private property to locate high voltage electric transmission lines via eminent domain. "The people of Oklahoma will not stand for private landowners being forced to surrender their property through federal condemnation," said Speaker-Elect Hilbert, R-Bristow. "There are state processes in place to get community input and engagement on pending projects of this nature and I urge anyone in the path of this proposed corridor to come and let their voices be heard tonight on this issue." Speaker Hilbert said he is committed to fighting against this NIETC designation and appreciates the support of his House and Senate colleagues who have already signed on as co-authors of the measure. "Everyone in Oklahoma should be concerned by this federal land grab attempt if the NIETC designation is granted," said Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow. "We stand ready to do all we can at the Legislature to stop it and look forward to working with a DOE under President-Elect Trump, who will better understand and respect private property rights while pushing American energy independence." "Oklahoma's eminent domain laws and regulations provide a level of protection to the landowner that is non-existent at the federal level," said Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene. "This also has the ability to hurt our local utility providers who fall under the regulation of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission while these NIETCs will be able to circumvent local rules and regulations, which is unacceptable." The HCR, which was filed in the House today, will be co-sponsored by Sen. Grant Green in the Senate and will be considered when the 60th Legislature meets starting in February.