Cherokee Nation establishes task force to study the impact of data centers

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. has established a task force to study the environmental and economic impacts of data centers on the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The task force, led by the tribe's Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice, will engage internal and external experts and solicit input from Cherokee citizens. The goal is to understand the consequences of AI and data centers on Cherokee land, water, and natural resources, and ensure that decision-making is informed by Cherokee knowledge and accountable to the Cherokee people. Chief Hoskin emphasized the need for a balanced approach, acknowledging that Cherokee Nation alone cannot shape the future of data centers and AI within the reservation, but that engaging in thoughtful study is crucial to avoid being sidelined on this important issue.