Data center opposition sparks Yukon mayor recall effort, delays
Yukon residents have initiated a recall election for Mayor Brian Pillmore, citing concerns over a proposed $1 billion data center near the city. Concurrently, Oklahoma City staff postponed a rezoning vote for the Cloverleaf Infrastructure project, allowing residents more time to voice concerns about the facility's water and power demands.
Yukon, Oklahoma, is experiencing significant delays and political upheaval due to strong community opposition against a proposed $1 billion data center project. Residents have successfully certified a petition to initiate a recall election for Yukon Mayor Brian Pillmore, citing concerns over transparency and the data center's potential impact on local resources. Mayor Pillmore has defended the project, stating it could generate $8 million to $12 million in annual tax revenue for the city.
In a related development, Oklahoma City staff postponed a crucial rezoning vote until August 18 for the same $1 billion data center, which is being developed by Cloverleaf Infrastructure near Highway 66 and Frisco Road. This delay provides residents additional time to rally against the project, which they fear will exacerbate local water scarcity and strain the electrical grid.
Piedmont resident Amber Ramsey voiced her concerns during an Oklahoma City Council meeting, highlighting the vast land requirements and the cumulative strain on resources from multiple data center developments across the state, including the 633-acre Cloverleaf project in Piedmont. Cloverleaf CEO David Berry has acknowledged that the project's expansion is currently limited by the existing electrical grid capacity, requiring future infrastructure upgrades.