Gov. Stitt signs two data center-related bills to protect Oklahomans
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed two bills into law to regulate data center development in the state. One bill protects residents from electricity rate hikes and infrastructure costs, while the other mandates reporting on water usage and restricts the use of groundwater in open-air cooling systems.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed two bills into law aimed at protecting Oklahomans and the state's resources from the impacts of booming data center development. These new laws, effective Thursday, hold companies accountable for their energy and water consumption.
House Bill 2992, which became effective on July 1, establishes safeguards to prevent Oklahoma families, small businesses, and utility customers from facing rate hikes and infrastructure costs due to data centers. Senate Bill 259, set to take effect on November 1, requires data center water permit holders to submit annual water use reports to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. It also prohibits data centers from utilizing groundwater in open-air evaporative cooling systems unless recirculation is implemented.
Governor Stitt emphasized that the legislation allows Oklahoma to meet national data needs while ensuring companies adhere to state rules and protecting residents' wallets. The move comes amid public concern, with a recent Gallup poll indicating 71% of Americans oppose new data center construction due to worries about energy use and community impacts.