Who checks data center promises? Tulsa County Commissioner wants outside technical help
Tulsa County Commissioner Stan Sallee is urging Oklahoma lawmakers to create an independent technical resource to verify data center developers’ claims about water use, electricity demand and community impacts. In Yukon, residents are also pursuing a charter change that would require public votes on data center proposals.
An Oklahoma legislative interim study examined the benefits and community costs of data center development, including water consumption, power demand and impacts on nearby neighborhoods. Tulsa County Commissioner Stan Sallee told lawmakers he wants an independent third-party review board or technical resource to evaluate developers’ projections before local governments approve projects.
State Rep. Mark Chapman, who led the study, said new cooling technologies may reduce water use and emphasized that data centers are industrial facilities that should be located appropriately rather than in residential neighborhoods. In Yukon, resident and retired federal environmental biologist Charlie Scott said he is helping seek a charter change that would give residents the right to vote on data center proposals. Officials also highlighted the need for early community discussions about setbacks, lighting, noise and water supplies.