OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, joined lawmakers and industry leaders Thursday morning at the Oklahoma State Capitol to speak at the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Multistate Collaborative, a national forum focused on shaping the future of flight. 

Hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, the event drew stakeholders from across the country to discuss policy, infrastructure and innovation related to electric aircraft, vertical takeoff systems and Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS). 

“Oklahoma has a proud aviation legacy, and we're not slowing down,” said Miller, who chairs the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Transportation. “From workforce development to regulatory modernization, our state is making strategic investments to lead the next chapter in aerospace. It was an honor to stand with industry experts and fellow lawmakers committed to keeping Oklahoma on the leading edge.”

Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, also attended the event and spoke about the broader impact of aviation on Oklahomans. 

“Thankful to Representative Nicole Miller for inviting me to sit with her and learn more about AAM,” said Hefner. “It's exciting to be a part of the second largest industry in Oklahoma and learn how this can help other areas like health care and people in Oklahoma who have a disability.”

Rep. Clay Staires, R-Skiatook, emphasized the importance of streamlining and updating aeronautics policy to support future growth in the sector. 

“As the aviation industry evolves, our policies must evolve with it,” said Staires. “Events like this help us better understand the needs of the industry and the opportunities for Oklahoma. Solving traffic congestion will require us to think vertically rather than horizontally, and advanced air mobility gives our state the chance to lead that shift. We’re working to ensure Oklahoma remains competitive and ready to support this new era of air mobility.” 

Formed in 2023, the AAM Multistate Collaborative brings together state leaders working to prepare for the integration of advanced air mobility into local communities. The group focuses on aligning state-level planning with evolving federal guidance.