Stitt signs bills focused on data centers and energy infrastructure
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed two new laws aimed at supporting data center growth while protecting residents from rising energy costs and modernizing water policy. The legislation requires large data centers to cover their energy infrastructure expenses and enhances oversight of groundwater resources.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt held a ceremonial bill signing at the Oklahoma State Capitol, enacting two new laws directly impacting the state's data center industry, energy infrastructure, and water resources. The legislation aims to facilitate continued growth in large-scale data centers while simultaneously safeguarding Oklahoma utility customers from bearing the associated costs.
House Bill 2992, known as the Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act, mandates that large data centers are responsible for the costs of their energy infrastructure, preventing these expenses from being passed on to Oklahoma residents. The Governor's office stated this bill ensures market-driven growth without burdening ratepayers.
Senate Bill 259, the Groundwater Modernization Act, represents a comprehensive overhaul of the state's water policy. Effective November 1, 2026, this law strengthens the oversight and enforcement powers of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and updates reporting requirements for groundwater users, a critical consideration given the water demands of data centers.