OK HB1263

Oklahoma Water Resources Board must conduct a study on wind turbine footings' effects on aquifers and groundwater, with findings due to the Governor and legislative leaders by December 31, 2026

Wind turbine setback requirements expand to include 1.5 nautical miles from any residential home and 40 nautical miles from lakes exceeding 10,000 surface acres, effective November 1, 2025

Wind turbines exceeding 500 feet in height must maintain 3 nautical miles setback from airports, public schools, hospitals, and residential homes (doubled from 1.5 nautical miles)

The groundwater study must analyze physical impacts on aquifer integrity, changes in groundwater flow and quality, cumulative impacts in high-turbine areas, and mitigation recommendations

Study collaboration required with state/federal agencies, academic institutions, wind energy industry, agricultural sector, and environmental organizations