From Across the State, Oklahomans Gathered to Voice
Support for Advanced Power Investments
The Oklahoma State Capitol was the rallying point today for hundreds of landowners, local officials, school superintendents, energy workers, and many others convening to communicate with lawmakers on the value that advanced power investments bring to their communities. With a variety of perspectives, they met with state legislators sharing their valuable insights and urging their State Senators and State Representatives to keep Oklahoma open for business and to continue adding resilience to the Oklahoma energy economy with an “all of the above” energy strategy.
They gathered in response to dozens of bills that would effectively end wind and solar development in the state at a time when energy demand is rising and Oklahoma’s diversifying economy needs cleaner, more affordable electricity to attract advanced manufacturing, data centers, and other large employers. More than $27 billion has been invested in Oklahoma wind, solar, and energy storage projects.
Before their Capitol visits and meetings with legislators, the group gathered for lunch, where Mark Yates, Advanced Power Alliance’s Oklahoma Director, briefed the group on the many legislative threats facing the energy industry, landowners, and communities. He highlighted concerning threats to private property rights found in several pending bills and encouraged the group in their advocacy efforts. “Having you here today and continuing to build relationships with lawmakers back home is critical.”
Yates addressed the misinformation being spread by advanced power opponents on social media and in their communications with lawmakers and reminded attendees that their voices are the most powerful in legislative discussions. As Oklahomans who benefit from jobs, affordable electricity, and tax revenues supporting schools and local governments, he emphasized that their firsthand stories are the most effective way to engage lawmakers.
Students from High Plains Technology Center and other training centers who are currently preparing for careers in the energy industry, were joined by dozens of workers who took time to travel across the state to meet with their lawmakers. The many who work today in the advanced power industry had the chance to meet the young people training for careers as wind and solar technicians, two of the fastest growing job opportunities in America.
School superintendents and local officials highlighted the significant tax revenue paid by advanced power investments, which have allowed them to fully fund their schools, invest in new facilities, and keep taxes affordable for their local taxpayers. In his comments, Yates noted that $27 billion in wind, solar, and energy storage projects have provided direct funding to 93 school districts in 31 counties, making these districts more financially independent and freeing up state aid to benefit schools across Oklahoma.
A large contingent of landowners, wearing “Proud Oklahoma Landowner” buttons, participated in the rally. Many already host wind, solar, or battery storage projects on their land, while others have pending projects they hope will move forward. Some attended simply to defend private property rights, arguing that landowners—not state bureaucrats—should determine the highest and best use of their land. “My land, my choice.” was their emphatic them, whether that choice is cattle, crops, oil and gas production, renewable energy, or other uses. Landowners, especially those in agriculture, welcome wind and solar projects as a way to diversify their income and make their operations more resilient during economic downturns. Each year, more than $78.4 million is paid to Oklahoma landowners for hosting these projects.
The day concluded with a reception where attendees had the opportunity to meet informally with lawmakers. Jeff Clark, President of Advanced Power Alliance, saluted the group’s efforts, “Opportunities like these bring the voices that matter directly to their state government. The many beneficiaries of wind, solar, and energy storage investments joined together in one voice to remind Oklahoma’s leaders of the value these projects bring to communities across the state. Nothing is more powerful to inoculate against the venom being spread by anti-clean energy groups than the voices of citizens sharing the many ways they benefit from these investments every day.”
Advanced Power Alliance applauds the efforts of our Oklahoma landowners, communities, workforce, and supporters, and the positive reaction of lawmakers. As an advocate for energy development, we believe Oklahoma’s energy future can be a example for the nation if we support and expand all energy industries and leverage their strengths together.