Two data center interim studies with different focuses held at Oklahoma State Capitol
Two Oklahoma state senators held separate interim studies on data centers at the State Capitol, after a disagreement over which speakers should participate. Kendall Sacchieri’s session focused on environmental impacts, while Casey Murdock’s examined national security and tax implications; both are considering policy changes for the next legislative session.
State Sen. Kendall Sacchieri canceled the data-center interim study assigned to the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee after additional speakers were added by committee Chair Casey Murdock. Sacchieri said the changes shifted the hearing away from its intended focus on environmental impacts, while Murdock said he was seeking balanced testimony from supporters and critics.
Sacchieri’s replacement study featured a water conservation educator and two industrial hygienists, who raised concerns about environmental risks and compliance with existing OSHA and EPA requirements. Murdock’s committee study focused on national security and tax implications, including the potential economic benefits and uneven distribution of those benefits. Both senators said the testimony could inform legislation in the next session, with Sacchieri supporting stronger community protections and potentially a temporary moratorium while standards are developed.