House Bill No. 2155, introduced by Dobrinski, establishes the Renewable Energy Facility Act, which mandates the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to create rules governing the operation of renewable energy facilities. The bill defines key terms such as "energy facility," "facility operator," and "adjacent owner," and outlines the requirements for facility operators, including registration with the Commission, obtaining a permit, and providing financial security. The Commission is tasked with ensuring that the rules protect the interests of citizens and includes provisions for notifying surface, mineral, and adjacent owners about the facility's development.
The bill also establishes penalties for violations, allowing the Commission to impose a fine of $1,500 per day for operators who commence activities without an approved permit. Additionally, it requires existing energy facilities to obtain a permit by January 1, 2026, and allows the Commission to assess a filing fee for permits, not exceeding $40,000. The bill includes provisions for emergency rule adoption and declares an emergency for its immediate implementation upon passage and approval.