SB 131

This bill establishes a regulatory framework for replacing retired coal-fired power plants in Oklahoma with nuclear or natural gas facilities, with a preference for nuclear energy. When an electric utility plans to retire a coal-fired plant, it must notify the Corporation Commission and submit a cost study of replacement options, prioritizing advanced nuclear reactors or natural gas facilities, with the Commission issuing a final order on the proposed replacement. The bill authorizes entities to construct nuclear power plants in Oklahoma if they comply with federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements and obtain approval from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, and mandates that any new nuclear facility must include on-site or nearby spent fuel storage capacity. This legislation effectively opens the door for nuclear power development in Oklahoma while creating a structured process for transitioning away from coal-fired electricity generation.