Energy

Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, was elected vice chair of The Energy Council, an international nonpartisan organization focused on energy policy. Archer was elected vice chair during the Council's annual meeting in Anchorage, Alaska. He will step into the chairmanship in 2026-2027. "I’m honored to serve as vice chair of The Energy Council," Archer said. "Oklahoma has long been a leader in powering our nation, and energy remains a top industry in our state. I look forward to working with colleagues from across the country and beyond to promote an energy infrastructure that strengthens our economy, ensures reliability and secures America’s energy future." He has served on the Council's Executive Committee since February and has been a member of the Council since 2021. In the Oklahoma House, Archer chairs the House Energy Committee and is a member of the House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee. He has represented House District 55 in western Oklahoma since 2022 and previously served as mayor of Elk City.

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.