Push to recall Sand Springs councilors over data center decisions fails

Residents of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, launched a recall petition against three city councilors—Cody Worrell, Matt Barnett, and Mike Burdge—following their 6-1 vote in February to approve the rezoning of 827 acres for "Project Spring," a proposed hyperscale data center backed by Google. The grassroots organization Protect Sand Springs Alliance submitted over 1,600 signatures, citing the controversial decision to annex land outside city limits for the facility. However, the recall bid ultimately failed. The city clerk's office determined that a significant number of signatures were invalid, falling short of the required 20% of registered voters in each ward as mandated by the Sand Springs city charter. Mayor Jim Spoon, who was not targeted in the recall, expressed gratitude for community support for the City Council. Despite the recall's failure, opposition to the data center continues through legal channels. Protect Sand Springs Alliance has filed a lawsuit against the city, aiming to stop the data center's construction. Additionally, a Tulsa-based nonprofit focused on land conservation has filed a separate lawsuit, alleging that the land owner violated a prior agreement by allowing the city to use the property for this development. Both lawsuits are currently pending.