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Welcome to SPEER’s first Oklahoma newsletter! We are excited to bring you energy & efficiency related news focused on developments both nationally and locally in Oklahoma. In this edition we'll cover policy, legislative advocacy, grant opportunities, climate action plan adoption, the changing landscape of building codes, and ways local governments are driving efficiency forward. If you would like to share this or join our other distribution lists to receive more SPEER news, you can update preferences here.
** Our thoughts are with all those affected by the recent storm outbreak in Oklahoma. We hope for a speedy recovery in Oklahoma and beyond.
Want to help those affected by the Oklahoma storms? Click here.
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In this newsletter:
- Oklahoma 59th Legislature Activities
- Legislative Advocacy
- SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop 2024
- Upcoming Webinars + Resources
- SPEER's YouTube Channel
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Oklahoma 59th Legislature Activities | |
The second half of the 59th Oklahoma Legislative session began on February 5th and will continue until Sine Die on May 31st. SPEER is reviewing bills and following bill movement throughout the session. Our bill tracking list can be found on the SPEER Policy page for Oklahoma here. | |
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House Bills
HB 2367 Corporation Commission; exemptions; discussion; attendance; documentation; scheduled meetings; effective date – Reported Do Pass as amended Energy and Telecommunications Committee; CR Filed on 4/4/2024
HB 3053 Energy; requiring Secretary of Energy and Environment to evaluate relationship of the Southwest Power Pool and the state; requiring preparation of certain report; emergency -Reported Do Pass as amended Energy and Telecommunications Committee; CR Filed on 4/4/2024
HB 3819 Professions and occupations; Uniform Building Code Commission Act; definitions; vice-chair duties; Commission powers and duties; training; energy payback –Reported Do Pass as amended Business and Commerce Committee; CR Filed on 4/1/202
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Senate Bills
SB 1505 Rebates; providing rebates for emission reduction projects; creating fund; effective date. Emergency – Referred to engrossment on 4/17/2024
SB 1535 Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative; modifying duties and membership of the Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board. Effective date – Sent to Governor 4/16/2024
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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Legislative advocacy and policy activities are critical to advancing the role and voice of regional government in Central Oklahoma. ACOG is responsible for representing our regional programs and priorities with local, state, and federal agencies. ACOG staff work with our various policy boards to develop annual legislative issues and legislative priorities. This advocacy section of our website provides information on how local governments can take action on important issues. Read the ACOG Legislative Report here. | |
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The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently released their Priority Action Plan (PAP) to support investment in policies, practices, and technologies that diversify energy, reduce pollution, create high-quality jobs, spur economic growth, enhance the quality of life, and improve overall health outcomes for all Oklahomans. DEQ worked with multiple state and local agencies, municipalities, citizens, Tribal Nations, and industry to create a holistic plan that encompasses current and potential future pollution reduction efforts, as well as priority projects and measures (Priority Measures). Find out more by reading the report here.
Tulsa Metropolitan Area CPRG Priority Climate Action Plan
The EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) initiative allocates grants to support states, local governments, tribes, and territories in crafting and executing robust strategies to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate adverse air pollution. The Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) for the Tulsa region includes all of the requirements set forth by the EPA, including a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the region, a benefits analysis for Low-Income and Disadvantage Communities (LIDAC), quantified greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction measures, and a review of authority for implementation. Click here to learn more about the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Primary Climate Action Plan.
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Upcoming Events/Webinars + Resources | |
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SPEER's Industry + Policy Workshop
This year's SPEER Industry + Policy Workshop will be held in Austin at the Archer Hotel on September 19-20th. Join us for insightful discussions and presentations encompassing:
- Oklahoma Efficiency Policies
- Consumer’s role in resiliency: shifting demand with energy efficiency policies and residential demand response programs
- Heat pump research insights & a deep dive into estimated energy requirements (EER) and their impact on heat pump adoption
- Overcoming skill gaps in local governments as they prepare their communities for a clean energy future and build resiliency
Interested in sponsoring our rooftop happy hour reception or providing attendees a company-branded custom welcome gift? We got you covered! If caffeine is more your thing we invite you to sponsor a coffee and snack break. Take a look at our event page to browse sponsorship opportunities and save your spot. We look forward to seeing you in the fall!
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April 30 @ 10:30 am CST
IECC Energy Codes and Hot Water Distribution: The Benefits of Demand Controlled Recirculation Systems
For many newly built homes, the hot water delivery times at some fixtures are substantially longer than from homes built in the past, resulting in wasted water, energy, and frustrated occupants. Recirculation pumps can be incorporated into a hot water system to significantly reduce the time to tap and therefore achieve water savings. Too often though these pumps are left running excessively, which then causes the water heater to run longer to make up for distribution heat losses. The IECC now requires demand sensing controls for service water heating circulation pumps to regulate the runtime of the pump and help mitigate energy losses while preserving the usefulness of the pump. This session will cover the basics of on-demand hot water recirculation technology and the impact it has on building performance relative to other methods of hot water delivery. Register here.
Speaker: Gabe Ayala, Business Development from Enovative Manufacturing LLC and AutoHot
May 14 @ 10:30 am CST
Building a Sustainable Future: Affordable Housing Innovations
At Levven, our mission is clear: making homes more affordable to build, purchase, and operate. We are excited to invite you to our upcoming webinar, where we will explore innovative strategies to reduce the costs and environmental impact of homebuilding. Our experts are passionate about developing products that not only save time and materials but also enhance the value delivered to all stakeholders involved in the homebuilding process. This webinar will provide valuable insights for builders, tradespeople, and anyone interested in the intersection of affordability and sustainability in the housing industry. Join us to find out how Levven is making a difference in the world by making essential shelter affordable and environmentally friendly. Register here.
Speaker: Sean Vo, National Director of Sales and Strategic Partnership, and Vanessa Wright, Sustainability Manager from Levven Electronics
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Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity (R2E2) is teaming up with the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program to present a workshop series designed to help community-based organizations, small businesses, and local governments navigate the opportunities available to them for equitable, efficiency and electrification home upgrade programs. We invite you to join them for the first workshop on Tuesday, May 21 at 12pm CT to learn about the nuts and bolts of applying for federal funding and technical assistance for residential energy upgrades. During the workshop, you’ll hear from municipal staff and community leaders about their experiences applying for federal grants.
Future workshops will focus on energy affordability and electrification, designing equitable home upgrade programs, health and safety barriers to energy upgrades, and braiding multiple funding sources for energy upgrades. ENERGY STAR’s Resource Center for Equitable Home Upgrade Implementation has more information about future workshops.
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AESP FLEX On-demand Courses
Through demand flexibility, we can move energy production and demand into greater alignment, which reduces the need for costly infrastructure investments in transmission and central generation. It makes the most of existing resources, saves the grid money, and saves the consumer money! AESP is helping you elevate your expertise with FLEX's premium quality online courses. Dive into the world of demand flexibility, learn about connected water heaters, lighting, HVAC systems, and distributed energy resources like solar and EVSE. Thanks to the U.S. Department of Energy, this is cost-free, convenient, and designed for tomorrow's energy efficiency leaders. Here are 3 reasons to take FLEX courses and start learning now:
- Premium quality demand flexibility learning
- Free learning for today and tomorrow's workforce
- Convenient, on-demand and relevant education
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SPEER has over 170 recorded webinars archived on our YouTube channel focused on vital energy topics: local government sustainability, energy codes, energy efficiency and policies, heat pumps, and more. Head over to our page (be sure to subscribe!) and catch a recap of our most recent recording, Implications of EER Requirements on Heat Pump Adoption in Texas and Oklahoma. We reviewed the efficiencies gained by variable speed heat pump systems, discussed EER issues that remain, and looked forward to policy implications for this transformative technology. | | | | |
