Senate Bill No. 131 introduces new regulations regarding the retirement of coal-fired electric generation facilities and the construction of advanced nuclear reactors in Oklahoma. The bill mandates that electric utilities must provide written notice and a detailed report to the Corporation Commission prior to retiring a coal-fired facility, including a cost study of replacement options. Utilities are encouraged to prioritize replacing these facilities with advanced nuclear reactors or natural gas-powered generation. If they choose not to, they must provide justification for their decision. The Corporation Commission is tasked with issuing a final order on the proposed replacement options.

Additionally, the bill establishes criteria for entities seeking to construct nuclear power plants, requiring them to comply with federal and state regulations and obtain necessary approvals from the Department of Environmental Quality. These entities must also build a secondary facility to manage spent fuel within the same postal code as the nuclear plant. The application process for constructing a nuclear power plant includes submitting a letter of intent and detailed information about the project. The bill aims to create a regulatory framework that facilitates the transition from coal to nuclear energy while ensuring safety and compliance with environmental standards. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.