Oklahoma Senate Panel Approves Bill to Ban Lab-Grown Meat, Impacting Agriculture Industry
The Oklahoma Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee has passed Senate Bill 2121, which seeks to ban the sale and manufacturing of cell-cultured lab-grown meat in the state. The bill, introduced by Sen. Spencer Kern, R-Duncan, was approved by a 9-3 vote. Proponents argue that the measure is necessary to protect Oklahoma's agricultural heritage and economy, as the agriculture sector is a significant part of the state's economy. The bill includes an exemption for research purposes. Critics, however, express concerns that the bill limits consumer freedom and is designed to protect the traditional agriculture industry at the expense of innovation. Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, highlighted the environmental benefits of lab-grown meat, such as reduced land use. Despite these concerns, the bill's supporters emphasize the need to address health concerns associated with the new industry and to protect the agricultural sector until more is known about lab-grown meat products. 
