Mark Chapman: Oklahoma can help shape next phase of data center debate
Rep. Mark Chapman discusses Oklahoma’s role in the national debate over data center growth and argues that projects should be evaluated individually. He cites an interim study he led on data center development and highlights the electricity and infrastructure demands associated with cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Oklahoma state Rep. Mark Chapman, R-Broken Arrow, writes that the state can help shape responsible data center development as demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence expands. He argues that projects vary by community and should be evaluated on their individual merits rather than under a one-size-fits-all approach.
Chapman led an interim study on data center development in September and serves as vice chair of the Oklahoma House Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee’s Utilities Subcommittee. The opinion piece focuses on the broader policy debate, particularly the significant electricity and infrastructure requirements of data centers, rather than announcing a specific project or government action.