Gubernatorial Candidates to Discuss Data Centers

A proposed data center project in Piedmont, Oklahoma, has sparked significant controversy among residents concerned about its environmental impact, particularly on the local ecosystem and biodiversity. Gubernatorial candidates are also weighing in on the issue of data centers in Oklahoma, with one candidate proposing a moratorium on new projects to assess water usage.

During a discussion centered on agriculture, one unnamed gubernatorial candidate stated their intention to implement a moratorium on all new data center projects on their first day in office if elected, emphasizing the need to understand water usage. Another candidate highlighted the lack of accountability for data centers and advocated for requiring them to recycle water. Houston-based Cloverleaf, the company behind the Piedmont project, maintains that their facility uses a fully closed-loop system for cooling, negating the need for continuous water use.

The Piedmont City Council is set to meet to consider a recommendation for approval of the rezoning request for Cloverleaf's data center. The recommendation includes conditions such as capping daily water use and requiring Cloverleaf to restore the property to its original condition if the data center ceases operations. The city council will take up the issue at 6:30 p.m. at the Piedmont Area Veterans Association.