HB 2162 Summary

• Renames the "Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Water Restoration Act" and expands the program from a pilot program to a statewide program administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.

• Defines "harmful woody species" to include Eastern Redcedar, Rocky Mountain juniper, oneseed juniper, salt cedar, Redberry juniper, ashe juniper, and honey mesquite that encroach on adjoining lands and cause environmental or economic harm.

• Establishes a statewide program to remove harmful woody species through prescribed burns, biological controls, mechanical removal, and herbicide applications, with at least two active project areas (one above and one below Canton Lake dam).

• Creates the "North Canadian Watershed Water Restoration Revolving Fund" in the State Treasury to receive appropriations, federal grants, municipal and private contributions, and interest earnings for funding the removal program.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2025.