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Commission adds space-engine testing and aerospace tax-credit extension to 2025 legislative slate
Summary
The commission voted to add two agency requests to its 2025 legislative slate: broaden the engine test cell program to include space-engine testing and seek extension of expiring aerospace tax credits.
The Oklahoma Aerospace Aeronautics Commission voted Dec. 11 to add two items to the agency’s 2025 legislative slate: (1) expand the engine test cell program to include testing for space engines and to position Oklahoma as a manufacturing hub for space propulsion; and (2) seek renewal or extension of state aerospace tax credits that are scheduled to expire next year.
Director Ardies and staff told the commission the original engine test cell legislation — passed in the prior legislative session — covered traditional aviation engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) from piston engines through large turbine engines. Staff recommended updating that statutory program to incorporate space-engine testing to align with growing aerospace and space manufacturing activity in Oklahoma.
Staff also asked the commission to support extending a state aerospace-specific tax credit that staff called “one of the best aerospace-specific tax incentives we have in the State of Oklahoma,” and which is due to expire in the next calendar year. Staff recommended adding both items to the agency’s formal bill requests for 2025 so agency staff and commissioners could engage legislators and committee chairs once bills are drafted and posted in January.
Commissioners approved adding both items to the agency’s legislative slate. Staff said the next step is to prepare bill language for the statutory submission deadlines in January and to meet with freshmen legislators and new committee leadership following the recent election.
Why it matters: Expanding the engine test cell program would allow state-supported facilities to serve emerging space propulsion testing needs; extending aerospace tax credits would sustain a state-level incentive used by the industry to attract investment.
Clarifying details: Staff characterized the engine test cell expansion as an update to last session’s program to include space engine testing and to promote Oklahoma as a space-engine manufacturing hub. Staff said the aerospace tax credits are scheduled to expire next year and recommended adding a renewal/extension request to the 2025 slate. No bill text or statute numbers were presented at the meeting; staff said language will be drafted for the January statutory submission deadlines.
