The Latest in Oklahoma: September 26, 2025
A&A Advocates
Oklahoma regulators are launching a feasibility study to evaluate whether nuclear energy could help meet the state’s rapidly rising electricity demand, largely driven by incoming data centers. The study will examine cost, safety, and practicality, as nuclear energy is significantly more expensive upfront than current sources like wind and natural gas. Lawmakers and utility companies are weighing nuclear reliability against its high costs and Oklahoma’s complex nuclear legacy.
The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus has expanded its ranks by adding five freshman lawmakers, bringing its total to nine members. Led by Sen. Shane Jett, the group is pushing legislation to honor the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, including a proposed “Free Speech Day” in his name and memorials on college campuses. While still a minority, the group holds some sway in a divided Republican Senate.
A new Oklahoma law, Senate Bill 998, allows utility companies to charge customers for construction costs before new natural gas facilities are operational. Critics, including an Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner, warn this could cause “rate shock” for consumers and undermines traditional rate-setting protections. The bill has sparked concerns about shifting financial risks from utilities to ratepayers, especially as energy demand grows due to data centers and industrial projects. AARP and others plan to challenge the law, calling it potentially unconstitutional and harmful to those on fixed incomes.
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced he will resign in early October to lead the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a national conservative group opposed to teachers’ unions. Walters, who has over a year left in his term, said his goal is to fight union influence in education. His tenure was marked by political controversy, abrupt policy changes, and clashes with both allies and opponents. Governor Kevin Stitt will appoint his replacement to serve out the remainder of the term.
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
“It’s because of programs like this and the hope and the culture change that we’ve done inside our correctional system that I’m really, really proud of,” Governor Stitt said regarding the launch of Oklahoma’s first county jail garden at the Cleveland County jail. “From a conservative standpoint, we’ve saved the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by doing the right thing. And so I just love programs like this.”