Lawsuit over proposed Google data center raises property rights fight in Sand Springs
A lawsuit has been filed against Google over a proposed data center in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. The suit, brought by the nonprofit Land Legacy, argues that a conservation easement on 270 acres of the purchased land prohibits industrial development, raising questions about property rights and development rights for the site.
A legal battle is unfolding in Oklahoma over a proposed Google data center north of Sand Springs. The dispute centers on property rights and a conservation easement on land intended for the massive development. The city of Sand Springs rezoned and annexed approximately 800 acres of land, acquired for over $100 million, with the intention of hosting a Google data center.
However, the nonprofit Land Legacy has filed a lawsuit, naming Google directly, arguing that they own the developmental rights to a large portion of this land. The lawsuit stems from a 2013 conservation easement signed by the previous landowners, which covers 270 acres. This easement explicitly prohibits commercial or industrial facilities on the protected property, mandating it be retained in its natural, scenic, and open space condition. Land Legacy asserts these restrictions transfer with the property even after subsequent sales.
The land was sold to Project Spring LLC, which then sold it to Horizon Development – identified by Land Legacy as representing Google – for $126 million. Land Legacy's lawsuit seeks a judge to declare the easement enforceable, permanently block industrial development that violates it, and award damages. The case is now before an Osage County judge, raising broader questions about which property rights transfer when land is bought and sold, and whether a conservation agreement can override subsequent development plans.