More tribal nations in Oklahoma are opposing, weighing data centers on their lands
Multiple tribal nations in Oklahoma are taking formal stances on data center development, primarily due to concerns about their land, water, and electricity resources. The Kickapoo Tribe and Seminole Nation have opposed or banned data centers, while the Caddo Nation is not considering hyperscale facilities. The Muscogee and Cherokee Nations have established task forces to study the impacts and opportunities of data centers.
Multiple tribal nations across Oklahoma are actively discussing and formalizing their positions on AI data center development, with significant concerns regarding land, water, and electricity resources.
The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma Business Committee has publicly stated its opposition to data centers on tribal lands, citing incompatibility with its long-term vision for sustainable development. Treasurer Chenille Suke confirmed the tribe has been approached multiple times and emphasizes the protection of tribal resources. This decision follows the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, which banned such facilities from its lands in March.
The Caddo Nation recently met with Colusa Indian Energy, a company owned by the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community in California, to explore energy sovereignty and a tribal utilities authority. However, Zackeree Kelin, Vice President of the Caddo Nation Economic Development Authority, clarified to tribal members that the nation is not considering hyperscale data centers, despite earlier reports suggesting discussions about a power plant for data centers.
Separately, the Muscogee National Council approved legislation on July 25 to create a Tribal Digital Infrastructure and Data Sovereignty Task Force. Principal Chief David Hill stated the task force will study AI and data centers to balance development opportunities with environmental protection. This initiative comes after the Muscogee Nation rejected a data center project last November due to widespread protests. Similarly, the Cherokee Nation established its own task force in February to study data center impacts, with a guiding report expected soon.