OK SB1175

Requests the Governor direct the Secretary of Energy to establish working groups of stakeholders (oil and gas operators, mineral owners, wind developers, transmission line developers, and surface estate owners) to examine Oklahoma's statutory and regulatory framework related to areas of conflict.

Identifies four specific areas of significant conflict requiring examination: surface use and damages related to oil and gas exploration including seismic exploration; use of police power in creating drilling and spacing units and force pooling; oil and gas royalty payment practices; and siting and related damage or payment issues for electric transmission lines.

Requires the working groups to develop legislative and administrative recommendations prior to the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, building on the success of previous working groups that resulted in the 2011 Shale Reservoir Development Act and Exploration Rights Act.

Amends 52 O.S. 2011, Section 318.2 to create the "Oklahoma Surface Damages Act" and defines key terms including "operator" (mineral owner or lessee engaged in drilling for oil or gas) and "surface owner" (owner of record of the surface property where drilling will occur).

Declares an emergency, making the act effective immediately upon passage and approval.