Oklahoma House backs voluntary renewables standard

Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge believes more renewable energy means better energy security for the state

Oklahoma’s lawmakers are setting up a Renewable Energy Standard for the state, aiming for 15% of all electricity generated within the state to come from renewable sources by 2015.

House Bill 3028 was passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives by 91 votes to three this week, and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Establishing the Oklahoma Energy Security Act, the Bill has been sponsored by House Speaker Chris Benge.

State officials said that among the 35 states with some form of Renewable Energy Standard, its only neighbour without one was Arkansas.

However, the Act would only set up a target, not a requirement for state electricity companies to meet.

Other measures within the Bill include calls for the state to improve its transmission capacity. Plans would be established by the Corporation Commission and the Southwest Power Pool to expand transmission capabilities.

The Bill also sets up a natural gas energy standard to promote local natural gas programs.

“Economic development tool”

Speaker Benge (R-Tulsa) said: “This goal will help expand alternative energy development and usage in Oklahoma, all while also serving as an economic development tool for our state.”

“We will continue to push officials in Washington to take note of our progressive reforms with the hope of influencing federal energy policy,” added Mr Benge.

“Our country’s energy security is intricately tied to our economic and national security. It is vital we continue to push this issue both at the local and federal level to further reduce our dependence on OPEC oil.”