Governor Signs Senator George Burns’ Bill to Study Nuclear Energy Potential in Oklahoma

Senate Bill 130 aims to explore feasibility of nuclear power generation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed into law Senate Bill 130, authored by Senator George Burns, R-Pollard, which directs the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to commission a comprehensive feasibility study on nuclear energy generation in the state.

SB 130 requires the Commission to initiate a contract with an external firm within 90 days of the bill’s effective date. The study will assess both technical and legal aspects of implementing nuclear energy production in Oklahoma. The process will bypass traditional state procurement requirements and instead follow procedures typically used to retain expert witnesses, ensuring timely and specialized evaluation.

“The potential for nuclear energy in Oklahoma is a conversation that’s long overdue,” said Sen. Burns. “This study will give us the data we need to make informed decisions about energy diversification, reliability, and long-term sustainability for our state.” 

The measure was carried in the House of Representatives by Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow.

“I want to thank the Governor for signing Senate Bill 130 into law as well as Sen. Burns for his help in the Senate getting this bill across the finish line, which aligns with President Trump’s national energy policy that promotes nuclear energy as an additional source of energy to add to our national energy portfolio,” Boles said. “Senate Bill 130 directs the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to do a nuclear energy feasibility study for our state. A nuclear energy feasibility study is a critical first step for any state exploring this industry, which we hope will provide a comprehensive analysis of the risks, costs and benefits, ensuring that decisions about our state's energy future are based on solid data and research.”

The Commission will also be tasked with collaborating with retail electric suppliers and municipally owned utilities to provide essential data for the study. Findings must be submitted to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and the Governor within nine months of the bill's effective date.