The Latest in Oklahoma: October 24, 2025
A&A Advocates
The city of Chandler, Oklahoma, has enacted a moratorium banning large-scale industrial wind turbines within its city limits and around its water sources, including Bell Cow Lake. The ordinance prohibits any wind energy systems over 80 feet tall to protect drinking water and wildlife. While residential wind energy use is still permitted, the move marks the first such regulation in eastern Oklahoma. The unanimous decision followed efforts by a citizen-led Wind Energy Committee focused on balancing energy needs with environmental protection.
Nearly 700,000 Oklahomans may lose access to SNAP benefits starting November 1 due to the federal government shutdown. State and federal Republican lawmakers blame Senate Democrats for stalling a budget agreement, which has delayed funding for essential programs. The standoff in Congress threatens food security for low-income families, especially in rural areas with limited resources. Advocates warn that a missed month of benefits could force people to choose between groceries and basic needs like medicine and utilities.
Oklahoma lawmakers are preparing new legislation to regulate the state’s rapidly growing wind energy industry after previous efforts stalled. Discussions center on setbacks, local control, and balancing property rights with community concerns. Some legislators and advocates question the reliability and impact of wind turbines, while others emphasize their economic value and role in meeting rising energy demands. With over 5,500 turbines already in operation, the debate continues amid growing power needs from industries like data centers.
Oklahoma lawmakers are considering the creation of a new state agency called the Department of Early Childhood Services to better support young children and their mothers. Led by Rep. Trish Ranson, an interim study explored how to streamline overlapping programs and improve service delivery. Experts highlighted that many current services are fragmented and lack coordination, making it hard to track effectiveness. The proposed agency would aim to centralize efforts and improve outcomes through a more unified, data-driven approach.
Interim Studies
The interim study period began on August 1, 2025 and will end November 6, 2025.
Click to view the House and Senate interim studies.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“To be clear, Senate Democrats in Washington could end the ‘Chuck Schumer Shutdown’ in five minutes,” Sen. Markwayne Mullin said regarding the government shutdown. “We have a clean funding bill on the table that has bipartisan support from 52 Republicans and three Senate Democrats.”