Community pushes back against planned Okmulgee County data center
Residents in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, are organizing against a proposed data center by Fluidstack, citing concerns about sound pollution, property values, and the power grid. Community members feel they were informed late about the project and are actively working to stop it through town halls and public outreach.
Residents of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, gathered for a town hall meeting Tuesday night to organize opposition against a planned data center development in Okmulgee County. Community members, who feel they were informed late about the proposed project, are actively working to prevent its construction.
Mackenzie Roberts, a member of the Stop Data Center Colonialism Coalition, highlighted the challenges, describing the rapid emergence of data centers across Oklahoma as a "whack-a-mole" situation and emphasizing the need for collective action. Roberts noted this was her third such town hall, aiming to inform residents about potential negative impacts, including property value depreciation, strain on the power grid, and sound pollution from 24/7 operations, which she suggested could lead to adverse health outcomes.
The proposed project is linked to Fluidstack, a Texas-based company, which states on its website a commitment to transparency, local partnership, and environmental accountability, and has indicated it will not seek property tax incentives, with revenue benefiting Okmulgee County, Okmulgee Public Schools, and Green Country Technology Center. Despite these assurances, local concerns persist. One official at the meeting indicated recent awareness of the project due to these town halls. Residents voiced their objections and shared suggestions, pledging to continue their fight against the data center. The next town hall is scheduled for Monday at the Okmulgee Public Library.