Oklahoma Lawmakers Examine Data Center Growth, Energy and Water Concerns
Oklahoma state senators heard testimony about the economic benefits and infrastructure demands of data centers, including their potential effects on electricity and water costs. The discussion may inform data center legislation during the 2027 legislative session, but no specific new proposal was identified.
Oklahoma state senators examined the potential economic benefits and long-term impacts of data center growth, hearing from academic and industry experts about investment, tax revenue, jobs, electricity demand and water use. Oklahoma State University researchers said limited peer-reviewed research exists on the facilities’ long-term community effects.
Concerns about rising utility costs were addressed by a state law, House Bill 2992, which took effect July 1, 2026, and prevents qualifying large-load customers such as data centers from shifting their attributable electricity costs to other consumers. Lawmakers may use the testimony to develop additional proposals for the 2027 legislative session, but the hearing did not produce a specific new regulatory measure.