Yukon City Council set to discuss proposed Beltline Energy data center project

The Yukon City Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss a proposed agreement with Beltline Energy concerning a new data center project. This meeting comes after weeks of vocal public opposition from residents, who have raised questions and criticisms regarding the city's potential deal with the company.

Mayor Brian Pillmore is expected to attend the council meeting, having missed the previous two sessions where residents expressed their concerns about the data center. His absence was attributed to a previously scheduled vacation. Concurrently, a recall petition against Mayor Pillmore and former Vice Mayor Jeff Wooten is due this week, having been filed earlier this month in response to the proposed Beltline Energy agreement. Organizers were tasked with collecting 2,000 signatures within 30 days to initiate their removal from office.

Residents have voiced significant criticism of city leadership concerning the proposed development and Pillmore's absence during crucial discussions. Beltline Energy is also pursuing data center projects in other Oklahoma communities, including Piedmont and Luther. Notably, Luther officials recently approved a moratorium on data center developments to allow the community to assess potential impacts.