OKLAHOMA – A recent action by Gov. Kevin Stitt to bring a renewable energy collaboration to Oklahoma has drawn criticism from Oklahoma Republican leaders.

In early December, Stitt met with the Ambassador of Denmark to the United States Jesper Møller Sørensen. It was during this meeting that the pair signed a memorandum of understanding that aims to push for collaboration on emerging renewable energy projects.

The state will partner with EE North America, a Danish-owned energy company. One of the goals outlined in the agreement would put forth efforts to build a new methanol energy facility. 

Oklahoma is a leading state in renewable energy despite the state’s long-standing history of oil and gas exploration. As of 2023, green energy production ranks the state third in the nation for electricity generation from wind. Roughly 42% of electricity generated in the state comes from wind power. 

With a growing resume of clean energy projects, the governor is looking to other global leaders in the field. About 67% of Denmark’s electricity supply has roots in renewable sources. The small European country has set a goal of reaching 100% by 2030. 

While Oklahoma lawmakers support diversifying the state’s energy portfolio, many disagree with Stitt’s latest renewable energy arrangement with Denmark.

“I’m going to beg to differ with him on this particular issue,” said Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland), according to reporting from KFOR.

Olsen has expressed that the renewable energy sector can support itself without state incentives. However, in a press statement, he stated, “[We] believe the majority of Oklahomans don’t want the government pushing any aspect of the Democrat’s green new deal scams. We should let the free market work and focused on Oklahoma companies.”

State Attorney General Gentner Drummond voiced his dissatisfaction on social media stating, “I am severely disappointed to see Gov. Stitt joining radical leftists in perpetuating the green energy scam.”

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Likewise, conservative members of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus shared their thoughts on the matter. “Oklahoma’s oil and gas is all-natural, locally-sourced and we must reject the unscientific climate change cult ideology that has spread like a cancer through so many industries, states and nations,” said Sen. Shane Jett (R-Shawnee).

“The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus supports free enterprise and partnering with allies, but we caution against interfering with free market principles by directing tax dollars to private companies and creating an unfair market place with subsidies,” he continued. 

The agreement also mentions carbon capture, a geoengineering technique that captures carbon from the atmosphere or pollution source to limit the presence of greenhouse gases. In 2023, Stitt signed Senate Bill 200 into law. The purpose of the law was for the state to gain delegation from the EPA to initiate carbon sequestration projects.

“Oklahoma’s ‘More of Everything’ energy approach has allowed us to be a leader and innovator in new and developing energy realms, including this step toward carbon sequestration,” said Stitt. “With this legislation, Oklahoma agencies will be better suited and better equipped to quickly respond to growing interest in carbon sequestration within the state.”

Sequestration involves injecting carbon into deep porous bedrock as a way to offset greenhouse gas emissions. Oklahoma is already at the forefront of sequestration and renewable energy. The new alliance Stitt has formed with Denmark may further the industry.