Solar energy devices; stating permissible locations for installation. Emergency.
Summary
SB1917 would create a new section of Oklahoma law limiting where solar energy devices may be installed. The bill defines “agricultural land” as land used primarily for farming, ranching, or other agricultural purposes as determined by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, and then restricts solar energy device installations to single-family residential properties and commercial or industrial properties.
The bill also expressly prohibits solar energy devices from being installed, maintained, or retained on agricultural land after the act’s effective date. It includes an emergency clause, meaning it would take effect immediately upon passage and approval. The measure would be codified in Title 17 of the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 820.6.
Impact
If enacted, SB1917 would amend Oklahoma law governing solar energy devices by narrowing permissible installation locations and creating a categorical ban on such devices on agricultural land. The bill would affect property owners, solar developers, farmers, ranchers, and land-use regulators, and would likely require enforcement or interpretation by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry regarding what qualifies as agricultural land. It would also add a new statutory restriction to Title 17 and could limit solar development on rural and farm properties.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record is available, so there is no direct recorded debate or roll-call sentiment to assess. Based on the bill’s referral to the Agriculture and Wildlife committee and its subject matter, the measure appears to have been framed as an agricultural land-use issue rather than a general energy policy expansion. The inclusion of an emergency clause suggests the sponsor viewed the issue as urgent.
Contention
The central point of contention is likely the bill’s prohibition on solar installations on agricultural land. Supporters may view the restriction as protecting farmland, ranchland, and agricultural production from conversion to solar use, while opponents may argue it unnecessarily limits landowner choice, reduces renewable energy development, and interferes with private property rights. The bill’s reliance on a state-agency determination of what counts as agricultural land could also raise concerns about administrative discretion and boundary disputes.
Green energy setbacks; creating setback requirements for certain solar energy farms; modifying setback provisions for wind energy facilities; effective date.
Wind energy; legislative findings; setback requirement for certain affected counties; waiver; referral of question to eligible voters of a county; requiring Corporation Commission to maintain database; emergency.