Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1572

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

State government; requiring divestment of certain financial companies; establishing provisions and requirements. Effective date.

Impact

The Act imposes significant regulatory requirements on state governmental entities by establishing a compliance framework that includes maintaining a list of financial companies that engage in boycotts against energy. It obligates these entities to divest from any listed financial companies within a specific timeframe unless compelling financial reasons justify delaying the divestment. Consequently, this could tighten the financial landscapes of various state contracts, affecting how state entities engage with the financial sector based on the company's relationships with energy firms.

Summary

Senate Bill 1572, also known as the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act of 2022, seeks to regulate the state government's interactions with financial companies that engage in practices deemed detrimental to energy companies, particularly those involved in fossil fuels. The bill defines terms such as 'boycott energy company' and sets out provisions that require state governmental entities to divest from financial companies that refuse to do business with energy companies involved in activities like exploration, production, or sale of fossil fuel-based energy. Essentially, it mandates financial actions to align with a stance against economic activities that could harm energy enterprises, based on their business practices and commitments to environmental standards.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB1572 primarily focus on the balance between encouraging energy industry growth and the potential ramifications for financial companies that might choose to enact environmentally responsible policies or investments elsewhere. Proponents argue that this bill seeks to protect the energy sector and ensure state funds are not directed towards firms that undermine the state's economic interests in energy production. However, opponents argue that it hampers free-market operations and stifles companies who might determine their business practices based on ethical grounds. This raises discussions on the scope of state power over financial entities and their operational ethics.