Broken Arrow approves 6-month data center moratorium

The Broken Arrow City Council unanimously enacted a six-month moratorium on new data center proposals, effective immediately, to allow city officials to conduct an in-depth study of the developments. The moratorium, which can be extended for another six months, prevents the acceptance of new land use development applications for data centers and will otherwise expire on December 31.

City Manager Michael Spurgeon stated the moratorium aims to protect Broken Arrow's long-term interests and gather necessary facts and policies for informed decisions, emphasizing it is not for or against data centers. The study will assess potential impacts on electrical consumption, water demand, noise generation, traffic, and public infrastructure, as well as the effects of state-level tax exemptions. The city also plans to review its recently overhauled zoning ordinance, which currently does not specify a data center as a use, to determine an appropriate zoning designation.

The decision follows the expiration of a letter of intent between a private property owner and an undisclosed company for a potential 52-acre data center in east Broken Arrow. Several other Oklahoma cities, including Edmond and Oklahoma City, have also discussed or approved similar moratoriums. Notably, Beale Infrastructure withdrew a controversial data center proposal in Coweta earlier this year.

Public input is anticipated, with the city considering a public forum. Residents like Leanne Jackson expressed environmental concerns, particularly regarding water and electricity. However, Mike Sanders, a professional engineer, countered some common misconceptions, noting that major tech companies often use self-contained power and advanced water recycling, minimizing grid strain and water pollution, though he acknowledged noise as a factor.