Committee unanimously backs bill assigning oversight of CO2 injection and storage to Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Senator Rader presented Senate Bill 269 to the Oklahoma Senate Committee on Energy, saying the measure would place sole jurisdiction for Class VI carbon dioxide injection wells and any CO2 storage units associated with sequestration facilities under the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

"SB 269 sets the sole jurisdiction for Class VI CO2 injection wells and any carbon dioxide storage unit associated with carbon dioxide sequestration facility on the exclusive jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission," Senator Rader said. He told colleagues the language is intended to position Oklahoma to regulate carbon-capture activity at the state level and to be ready should industry locate facilities in the state.

The committee first approved an amendment Senator Rader said corrected drafting errors that had been left out of the committee substitute. The amendment passed on voice vote. Rader then moved the committee to give the bill a do-pass recommendation; the motion was seconded by Senator Kern.

Rader referenced recent federal signals about continued support for carbon-capture policy, citing a Bloomberg Tax article dated Feb. 24, 2025, and said the executive branch and the state’s energy secretary support the approach. Senator Rader argued timely state-level rules would help Oklahoma be competitive for potential industry investment.

The clerk recorded a roll call with 10 ayes and 0 nays; the chair declared Senate Bill 269 passed the committee by a unanimous vote.

The measure, as described in committee, would vest regulatory authority for Class VI CO2 injection and associated storage with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission; supporters said the plan is to have state rules in place in case companies pursue projects in Oklahoma.