Oklahoma seeks new federal laboratory focused on gas, AI and space research

By EPN Staff

Oklahoma State Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, has introduced legislation to create a new U.S. Department of Commerce laboratory — the Oklahoma Gas, Artificial Intelligence and Space Research Hub (GAS Hub) — in the Sooner State. 

House Bill 3176 would establish the GAS Hub as the leading federal center for “advanced oil and gas research, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, and aerospace, space launch systems and orbital technologies,” according to the bill. 

The legislation aims to prepare the state to identify possible laboratory sites, coordinate workforce and education pipelines and other resources, and to apply to federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Defense. 

“Great opportunities don’t wait for states to catch up,” Archer said in an official OK House of Representatives news release, “We have the talent and resources available, but we need Oklahoma to be in position when the starting gun goes off, so we don't miss our chance. By laying the groundwork now, we can make sure we're organized and truly competitive when the time comes to seize the next opportunity.”

Why it matters 

The GAS Hub would link industry, state agencies and institutions of higher education to align workforce development, infrastructure and federal investment. Its establishment would bring jobs, research opportunities and economic growth to Oklahoma, which has strong energy and aerospace industries. 

“When you look at the national lab system, nearly every energy sector is represented, except oil and gas," Archer said. “We’re at a time when energy security, space technology and computing power are vital to our national defense and global competitiveness. If we’re ready when the time comes, Oklahoma could have a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity.” 

Archer believes the state needs a coordinated strategy to attract high-paying advanced industry jobs. 

A report by the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce found that the state had experienced a “decline in advanced industry employment — a sector critical to innovation and high-wage job creation. From 2019 to 2024, Oklahoma was the only state in the nation to experience a decline in advanced industry jobs (down 1.1%), while the U.S. average increased by 8.8%.”

Oklahoma ranked 42nd in the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation’s Innovation Rankings, which grades states on their technology adoption, knowledge creation, and global investment. The state scores below average in patents, research and development investments, and job growth. 

The bigger picture

The U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Interior and Transportation operate laboratories located across the country. Oklahoma is home to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NEXRAD Radar Operations Center and the Federal Aviation Administration Civil Aerospace Medical Institute. 

Labs generate significant economic activity. For example, the Idaho National Laboratory had a total economic impact of $3.77 billion in Idaho, supporting over 17,000 jobs in 2023. The National Laboratory of the Rockies contributed $1.3 billion to the Colorado economy, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory generated $3.7 billion in economic activity in New Mexico.