Panel approves replacing state fossil after scientific reclassification
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Summary
Representative Rosecrans’ House Bill 2970, to replace a previously listed state fossil reclassified as a chimera with Sauroposeidon protellus, passed the tourism committee; members discussed scientific reclassification and tourism opportunities tied to the Sam Noble Museum.
The tourism committee passed House Bill 2970, which would change the state fossil from the previously listed Saurophesianax maximus to Sauroposeidon protellus, after the sponsor described recent scientific reclassification and framed the change as a tourism opportunity.
Representative Rosecrans, sponsor of the bill, said the previously listed fossil was reclassified last year "to not exist anymore," explaining it had been determined to be a chimera — a fossil composed of parts of multiple species — and that Sauroposeidon is a sauropod (a four‑legged, long‑necked plant eater) better suited for the designation. She said fossils are found in two Oklahoma formations, in the Panhandle and in southeast Oklahoma, and emphasized the tourism value of highlighting the state's paleontological resources.
A committee member asked whether the older listing had been ruled out; Representative Rosecrans answered that the earlier classification had been overturned. When asked whether the proposed replacement is a meat eater, she clarified that Sauroposeidon is a herbivorous sauropod.
The committee moved and seconded the bill, staff opened and closed the vote, and the chair declared HB 2970 passed by a recorded 5 ayes and 0 nays.
Representative Rosecrans added that a reconstruction of Sauroposeidon and related fossils are housed at the Sam Noble Museum and offered to arrange a museum tour for the committee.
The committee also announced it will meet with the tourism department next week at 10:00. The meeting then adjourned.
