Purpose
To take a statewide leadership role in the protection and growth of the aerospace, technology, defense and telecommunications industries in Oklahoma.
2020 Legislative Initiatives
State Agenda
- Support development of Oklahoma's strengths and resources as a prime location for development, testing and flight of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and monitor efforts to regulate UAS and oppose regulations which place unnecessary burdens on the growth of the industry
- Protect designated aviation user fees from being used for non-aviation needs and purposes
- Ensure government does not use public funds to offer commercial services directly competing against private industry
- Support initiatives to expand developing technology businesses including autonomous systems, software, hardware, data centers and services
- Support educational preparation and training pipeline initiatives, including Career Pathways, education industry partnerships, apprenticeships, registered internships and the development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Communities, to encourage Oklahomans to pursue STEM careers including careers in aerospace and technology
- Support efforts to address increasing workforce and training needs in the growing aerospace and defense manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul and developing technological industries
- Support the development of a federal and/or commercial space center in Oklahoma
- Protect a pro-investment environment to support the development of telecommunication infrastructure
- Support funding for the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission and Oklahoma Military Department and other efforts to protect, expand, and enhance military related economic activity and investment at Oklahoma's military installations including active duty, Oklahoma National Guard, and Reserve components
- Encourage policies that will ensure the responsible and compatible development around military training routes and ranges so as to ensure airspace mission capability while protecting the rights of private landowners
- Support and encourage employment and job placement of Oklahoma's National Guard, Reserve components and veteran military personnel
- Oppose state-level efforts to implement regulation of the internet such as net neutrality and privacy
- Oppose state-level efforts that conflict with federal laws and regulations that impact the telecommunications industry
- Support, enhance and defend continuance of the Aerospace Engineer, Cyber Security and Software Engineer Tax Credits
- Enhance governmental bodies and position such as the Science and Technology Council to improve the state's ability to deal with complex technology and science related policy-making
- Foster public-private partnerships by creating a matching incentive for state, local and/or tribal governments in Oklahoma that participate in advanced transportation technology projects with the federal government to improve the competitiveness of Oklahoma proposals
- Support efforts to remove barriers to broadband access in Oklahoma such as ensuring that providers are reasonably charged for use of the public rights of way or the facilities within the rights of way
Federal Agenda
- Monitor efforts to regulate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) at the federal level and oppose regulations which place unnecessary burdens on the growth of the industry
- Oppose efforts to regulate broadband internet as a public utility
- Support significant, long-term reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Support the continuation of the U.S. Contract Tower Program
- Support trade policy that enables U.S. aerospace companies to compete in the global market
- Support long-term reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank
- Support the establishment of a Federal and/or Commercial Space Surveillance Center in Oklahoma
- Support the modernization, safety and efficiency of our nation's Air Traffic Control system and ensure the viability of the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
- Support funding and other efforts to protect, expand, and enhance military related economic activity and investment at Oklahoma's military installations including active duty, Oklahoma National Guard, and Reserve components and provide for continued growth of the military presence in the state
RESEARCH & RESOURCES
Issue Brief: Aerospace Industry in Oklahoma (2017)
Issue Brief: Development of Unmanned Aerial Systems (2017)
