OK HB1263

Oklahoma Water Resources Board must conduct a detailed study assessing effects of wind turbine footings on state aquifers and groundwater resources, including analysis of construction impacts, groundwater changes, cumulative impacts in high-concentration areas, and mitigation recommendations.

Board must collaborate with state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and stakeholders including wind energy industry, agricultural sector, and environmental organizations on the study.

Board must submit study findings and recommendations report to the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore of the State Senate by December 31, 2026.

Wind turbine setback requirements change effective November 1, 2025: towers must be 1.5 nautical miles from residential homes and 40 nautical miles from lakes exceeding 10,000 surface acres; towers exceeding 500 feet in height require 3 nautical miles setback from residential areas.

Act becomes effective November 1, 2025.