House Bill No. 1375, known as the "Oklahoma Nuclear Energy Feasibility Study Act of 2025," mandates the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to engage an outside consulting firm within 90 days of the bill's passage to conduct a comprehensive technical and legal feasibility study on promoting nuclear energy generation in Oklahoma. The consulting firm must be well-established in the nuclear energy industry and will evaluate various aspects, including the economic and environmental impacts of nuclear energy, workforce utilization, safety criteria, and potential policies to support nuclear energy adoption. The study is expected to be completed within nine months, with a report delivered to the Governor and legislative leaders.
The bill authorizes the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to spend up to $375,000 for the consulting firm’s compensation and outlines procedures for retaining the firm, including exemptions from the state procurement process. If the Commission cannot hire a firm within the budget, it may conduct a notice of inquiry to gather information from stakeholders to reduce costs. The bill also emphasizes the need for cooperation from state public utilities and other entities in providing relevant information for the study while ensuring confidentiality. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage.