Oklahoma Legislative Study Examines Data Center Water, Power and Tax Impacts
An Oklahoma legislative interim study examined concerns surrounding data center development, including electricity demand, water consumption, environmental effects and tax incentives. Officials from power and state regulatory agencies described grid impacts, permitting processes and water-use issues, while additional presenters were expected to address economic and tax effects.
An interim study in Oklahoma focused on the potential impacts of data center development, with discussion centered on electricity and water consumption, environmental effects and tax incentives. Officials from the Southwest Power Pool, Public Service Company of Oklahoma and OGE addressed grid demand and electricity rates.
Google presented information about hyperscale data centers, while the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and Oklahoma Water Resources Board outlined permitting requirements, environmental considerations and water-use data. Later presentations were planned on economic and tax impacts and what communities should expect before a project is built. The study was referenced by state Rep. Jim Grego, whose District 17 includes Latimer County and part of Pittsburg County.