Category: OKLAHOMA_KEY

The Sooner State ranks 45th nationally for solar energy use. Currently, the state generates 84.7 MW of energy from solar panels. There are also 30 solar companies, accounting for developers, manufacturers, and others. While solar isn’t as prevalent in Oklahoma as in other states, the state is projected to grow in solar energy production.

Oklahoma is in the heart of the U.S. Mid-Continent oil region, a vast oil- and natural gas-producing area that also encompasses Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico and is flanked by the Mississippi River to the east and the Rocky Mountain states to the west. Natural gas and crude oil wells can be seen across much of Oklahoma, and some of the largest natural gas and oil fields in the country are found in the state.

The searchable Energy Storage Legislation Database displays information in interactive maps and charts, tracking state activity from 2017 to the present.

The National Conference of State Legislatures tracks environment and natural resources bills that have been introduced in the 50 states, territories and Washington, D.C.

The First Street Foundation Flood Model represents the culmination of decades of research and development made possible by building upon existing knowledge and frameworks regularly referenced in the identification of flood risk.

Between 2017 and 2019, Oklahoma experienced nine severe storms, three severe floods, and one intense drought. The damages of each event led to losses of at least $1 billion.

Overall, Oklahoma will become warmer, seeing both stronger floods and droughts because of climate change. While most of Oklahoma did not warm during the past 50-100 years, soils are drier, annual rainfall has increased with an increased likelihood for strong downpours, and wildfires and extreme weather are more likely.

In May 2010, the Oklahoma Legislature enacted the Oklahoma Energy Security Act (see H.B. 3028), establishing a renewable energy goal for electric utilities operating in the state. The goal calls for 15% of the total installed generation capacity in Oklahoma to be derived from renewable sources by 2015. There are no interim targets, and the goal does not extend past 2015.

The Oklahoma Climatological Survey was established by the University of Oklahoma in 1980 to provide climate services to the people of Oklahoma. In 1982, OCS was established under Oklahoma Sunset Law (HB 1937, c. 63) as a state entity. The Survey maintains an extensive array of climatological information, operates the Oklahoma Mesonet, and hosts a wide variety of educational outreach and scientific research projects.

The Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program (SCIPP) is a South Central United States focused climate hazards and research program whose mission is to help communities build resilience to weather and climate extremes now and in the future.