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Oklahoma Edition:
We are excited to bring you energy & efficiency related news focused on developments both nationally and locally in Oklahoma. We'll cover policy & legislative advocacy, grant opportunities, the changing landscape of building codes, ways local governments are driving efficiency forward, and more. If you would like to share this or join our other distribution lists to receive more SPEER news, you can update preferences here.
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In this newsletter:
- Oklahoma 59th Legislature Activities
- Upcoming Events & Webinars
- Welcome New SPEER Members
- Noteworthy Items
- SPEER's YouTube Channel & Resources
- What We're Reading
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Oklahoma 59th Legislature Activities | |
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The second half of the 59th Oklahoma Legislative session began on February 5th and has officially concluded, entering Sine Die on May 31st. SPEER reviewed bills and followed bill movement throughout session. Our bill tracking list can be found on the SPEER Policy page for Oklahoma here.
Of the bills SPEER tracked, only five were approved by Governor Stitt. Some of the bills, like SB 1535 and SB 1505, take aim at lowering emissions through making adjustments to existing rebate programs to reduce downstream oil and gas consumption (SB 1505) or adding members to the Low Carbon Energy Initiative (SB 1535). While these items do not directly impact efficiency efforts, they are steps towards lowering emissions and energy efficiency can assist in that regard in future sessions.
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Relating to improved resiliency in homes and businesses, HB 3089 establishes a new grant program to help homeowners prepare and fortify their roofs for extreme storms. While it's worth noting the need for building resiliency in homes and businesses, it is important to also state the positive impact that updated building codes have on preparing buildings for extreme weather events. Oklahoma currently has a statewide building code standard set to the 2018 codes with amendments. Being a home rule state, cities and municipalities can adopt stronger code standards, however with the statewide minimum that is aged and lower standards than newer codes, many Oklahomans do not get the benefits that increased codes provide.
The Legislature did consider a bill that would help with training code officials and third-party evaluators (HB 3819), however the bill as it was written would have also limited measures to a shorter payback period that likely would have stunted the adoption of newer statewide codes and ultimately was not passed out of the legislature. It is SPEER's hope that Oklahoma policymakers realize the full potential that improved codes and energy efficiency measures have in preparing the state for extreme weather and grid stress!
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House Bills
HB 2367 Corporation Commission; exemptions; discussion; attendance; documentation; scheduled meetings; effective date – Approved by Governor 4/29/2024
HB 3089 Insurance; Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Act; retrofitting; program; Department of Insurance; grant; contractor; evaluator; revolving fund; Insurance Commissioner; effective date - Approved by Governor 5/13/2024
HB 3053 Energy; requiring Secretary of Energy and Environment evaluate relationship of the Southwest Power Pool and the state; requiring preparation of certain report; emergency. – Approved by Governor 5/10/2024
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Senate Bills
SB 1505 Rebates; providing rebates for emission reduction projects; creating fund; effective date. Emergency – Approved by Governor 5/28/2024
SB 1535 Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative; modifying duties and membership of the Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board. Effective date – Approved by Governor 4/18/2024
SPEER is currently tracking legislation that pertains to our mission. Our tracking list will be uploaded weekly to the SPEER Policy Oklahoma page which can be found here. If you have any questions or would like to discuss pending legislation, please reach out to us!
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Upcoming Events & Webinars | |
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July 11th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CST
SPEER Webinar – Building Operations, Workforce Training, and Navigating Federal Grant Requirements: The field of building operations and facility management are evolving rapidly due to factors such as benchmarking, grid enhancing technologies (GETs) and a swiftly retiring workforce. Join us to learn more about the Building Operator Certification (BOC), a program addressing the need for maintenance staff training as new technologies enter the market. Renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, BOC is an ideal choice for meeting various federal government grant training requirements in energy efficiency. BOC is the nation’s leading training and credentialing program for building engineers and maintenance personnel, and is now aligned with an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – ISO 17024. Graduates make their buildings more comfortable, efficient, environmentally friendly, and save $10,000 annually in utility bills thanks to skills they master in classes.
In this webinar, we will discuss the following:
- Gain insights into the comprehensive curriculum of the BOC program.
- Understand how BOC meets federal government grant training requirements in energy efficiency.
- Review case studies and examples of how BOC graduates have improved building performance.
Speaker: Melanie L Danuser, M.P.A., LEED Green Associate Director of Education & Training
Register here
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This year's SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop will be held in Austin at the Archer Hotel on September 19-20th. Join us in the Lone Star state for insightful discussions and presentations from energy experts and leaders focused on the most pressing energy matters in our region, including consumer's role in resiliency, shifting demand with energy efficiency policies and residential demand response programs, heat pump insights and EER requirements, navigating DER policy implementation and much more. Let’s create change and expand efficiency together. Registration rates will increase 50% after July 31, 2024. **Be sure to book your discounted hotel room by August 29th!
We're excited to announce that Kayla McNabb, Principal of Vesta Strategic Solutions and Sarah Terry-Cobo, Associate Planner for the City of OK City | Office of Sustainability will be joining us for a panel geared towards Oklahoma's Efficiency Policies. Don't miss this opportunity to network and hear from industry thought leaders.
Huge thanks to Mitsubishi Electric, CLEAResult, and Advanced Power Alliance for supporting SPEER's 2024 Industry + Policy Workshop! Interested in joining them as conference sponsors? Head over to our registration page to save your spot and browse sponsorship opportunities! Your sponsorships are incredibly important to us and help continue the sustaining efforts of our organization as we educate and support energy efficiency across the Texas and Oklahoma region.
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SAVE THE DATE! This year's EnVision Energy Conference will be held on October 23rd in Stillwater, OK at the Wes Watkins Center on the OSU campus. This one day event is Oklahoma's premier conference dedicated to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and associated technologies. Join fellow energy professionals to mingle and discuss topics dedicated to:
- Renewable Energy
- Energy Efficiency
- Storage Technologies
- Policy
- Research & Development
- Project Deployment
- Green/Renewable Fuels
Stay tuned for more to come!
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The Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) is the voice of the Geothermal Heat Pump Industry in the US. As a non-profit trade association, they promote the manufacture, design and installation of energy efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling GeoExchange® systems. | |  |
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SPEER is thrilled to welcome our newest member, LG Electronics! As a global leader in technology, LG Electronics is dedicated to creating innovative solutions for a better life. We are excited to have LG on board as we continue our mission to advance energy efficiency in our region.
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Learn more about SPEER membership and consider joining us! Find a list of all of our incredible SPEER members here. | |
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Speaking of new members - we invite you and your company to join SPEER! As a membership-driven organization, the pursuit of our mission is largely possible with the involvement of our 60+ current members. Membership dollars allow us to push forward in our commitment to expand energy efficiency in our territory and beyond, and to help create a more sustainable, healthy environment for all Texans and Oklahomans.
Special Membership Offer: Take advantage of our 18-month membership special available until 8/31, extending your benefits through 2025. Your participation and support are vital to advancing our mission and creating a sustainable future.
Why Join SPEER?
Membership Benefits:
- Receive discounted rates for events & conferences.
- Enjoy networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers.
Presentation Opportunities:
- Highlight your organization and share your expertise in our webinars and panel discussions. Speaking opportunities are first offered to members.
Local Impact:
- Engage in initiatives that reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability in your community.
Policy Advocacy:
- Influence policy development to support and enhance energy efficiency.
Professional Development:
- Access our upcoming on-demand energy courses specifically designed for local governments.
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Did you know that ACOG (The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments) has grant writing services available? With millions of federal dollars accessible for community programs, now is the time to take advantage of opportunities such as these.
Grant Writing & Administration: A vital service to the ACOG region
The ACOG Community & Economic Development team is experienced and equipped to write and/or administer grants from state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and major foundations. Grant preparation and administration services are available to both ACOG members and other organizations, with various fee structures.
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The Oklahoma State University Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) provides free energy, productivity, and waste assessments to small and medium-sized industrial facilities through funding provided by the US Department of Energy. Their energy-saving programs have contributed to 1,095 assessments with over $136M in cost savings. Find out more about how the OSU IAC can help YOUR facility save money and energy and affect positive change here. | |
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SPEER has over 170 recorded webinars archived on our YouTube channel focused on vital energy topics. Most recently we have added new webinar recordings on Heat Pump Rooftop Units, Building a Sustainable Future: Affordable Housing Innovations, The Benefits of Demand Controlled Recirculation Systems, and many more.
Be sure to subscribe to stay informed as new material is uploaded and up-to-date with the latest industry and efficiency trends and resources!
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You can now find state-specific policy information including links to key state agency webpages, our previous public comments, and additional information about our work in both Texas and Oklahoma. You will also find our released reports, templates and materials for engaging with policy leaders, and additional materials on how our Policy Program interacts with the ongoing Heat Pump Working Group, SPEER Codes Program, and SPEER Local Governments Program. SPEER State and Local Policy.
What can you expect to find on our resource page?
- SPEER Programs + informational flyers
- Messaging guides
- Public Utility Commission of Texas Comment Template
- Heat pump resources
We have created a library of local government resolutions, energy plans & policy work, climate action plans, and resiliency initiatives. These documents are meant to be a resource and showcase the commitment made by local governments to create an equitable, safe, and economically stable future for Texas and Oklahoma citizens. Head over to dive in and bookmark the page as we will continually be expanding and adding new material.
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