Data Center Project in Amber, Oklahoma, Faces Local Opposition Amid Regulatory Gaps
Residents of Amber, Oklahoma, are opposing a proposed data center project by Aligned Data Centers, citing concerns about noise, light, environmental impact, and water usage. The project, located just outside city limits, faces little local oversight as Grady County lacks a planning commission. Amber town officials sought to annex the land to gain control but ultimately cancelled the annexation plans.
Residents of Amber, Oklahoma, are actively opposing a large data center development planned by Aligned Data Centers. The company purchased 850 acres just outside Amber city limits for $17 million and plans up to 10 data center buildings, with groundbreaking potentially as early as December.
Local residents voiced skepticism and concerns about noise, light pollution, impacts on animals, and water usage in a drought-stressed area, despite Aligned's claims of bringing tax revenue and jobs. The town council sought legal advice but learned that the project falls outside Amber's city limits, meaning no local zoning approvals were required. Furthermore, Grady County lacks a formal planning commission to regulate unincorporated land.
Amber officials, including Mayor Greg Mosier, considered an ambitious plan to annex more than 2,500 acres, including the data center property, into city limits to establish local land-use and environmental ordinances. However, this plan was ultimately cancelled after some landowners, including State Rep. Dick Lowe, withdrew their agreement. Lowe and Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, who both own property nearby, anticipate more data center-focused legislation next year addressing local control, even as early construction on Aligned's project may have already begun.
State lawmakers previously approved tax breaks for data centers and laws allowing them to generate their own power, which Aligned intends to utilize. Although a statewide moratorium and other regulatory bills failed in the last legislative session, two bills were approved to prevent non-reusing groundwater systems and protect residential utility rates.