Oklahoma Legislation Seeks Three-Year Moratorium on Data Center Construction Amid Water Usage Concerns
Oklahoma lawmakers are considering legislation to impose a three-year moratorium on data center construction due to concerns over water usage and environmental impacts. Senator Kendal Sacchieri's Senate Bill 1488 aims to pause development while the Corporation Commission reviews potential effects on water supply and utility rates. Additionally, House Bill 3917, proposed by Representative Mickey Dollens, seeks to impose surcharges on data centers during peak demand to protect residential customers. The state has about ten data centers in various stages of development.
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Oklahoma is facing potential legislation to halt data center construction for three years due to significant water usage concerns. Senate Bill 1488, introduced by Senator Kendal Sacchieri, would pause new developments while the Corporation Commission conducts a review of impacts on water supply and utility rates.
Reports indicate that a Google data center used over 1.1 billion gallons of water in one year. Meanwhile, House Bill 3917 by Representative Mickey Dollens aims to impose surcharges on data centers during peak demand to mitigate costs for residential customers. Approximately ten data centers are currently under construction or awaiting approval in the state.
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