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SB 1319

Corporation Commission; processes for cities and counties to seek certain reimbursement; fair market value; requiring application to request use of certain funds; creating the Remediation Assistance Revolving Fund. Emergency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Avery Frix and 1 co-sponsor

Oklahoma bill authorizes Corporation Commission to spend plugging fund money on remediation assistance for abandoned oil and gas wells.

Approved by Governor 05/20/2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1319

Legislative bill overview

SB 1319 authorizes the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to use funds from its Plugging Fund to support remediation assistance programs. The bill appears to direct specific expenditures from this fund, which is typically used to address abandoned or improperly sealed oil and gas wells that pose environmental and safety risks.

Why is this important

Abandoned oil and gas wells create significant environmental liabilities, including groundwater contamination, methane emissions, and safety hazards. By authorizing the Corporation Commission to deploy plugging fund resources toward remediation assistance, the bill could expand the state's capacity to address these legacy environmental problems, though it may also redirect funds from traditional well-plugging operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Fund allocation trade-offs: Directing plugging fund money toward "remediation assistance" (potentially grants or subsidies) rather than direct plugging operations may slow the pace of actual well closures
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's language about "certain expenditure related to remediation assistance" lacks specificity about which remediation activities qualify or who receives assistance
  • Industry impact: Oil and gas operators may view this as shifting financial responsibility onto the state rather than holding companies accountable for site restoration

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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