Pollution from power plants fueling data centers could have big impacts in Oklahoma
The article examines how electricity demand from Oklahoma data centers, including Google’s Pryor Creek facility, could increase coal-fired power generation, ozone pollution and pressure on water resources. It also details the facility’s water consumption, cooling systems and a refrigerant leak that exposed 14 people, while state and local officials debate the benefits and risks of further development.
Researchers and public officials warn that Oklahoma’s growing data center industry could intensify air pollution and strain electricity and water supplies. Xiao-Ming Hu of the University of Oklahoma said additional data centers powered by coal- and gas-fired plants could increase ozone pollution, while Oklahoma State University researcher Ardeshir Moftakhari is studying refrigerant-based cooling systems that could reduce water use and heat impacts.
Google’s Pryor Creek data center, located in the MidAmerica Industrial Park, withdrew 1.397 billion gallons of water in 2025 and consumed about 1.081 billion gallons through evaporation. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality monitors the facility’s discharge, which officials said remained within safe parameters. The article also recounts a refrigerant leak that exposed 14 people and notes that Google declined to comment because of litigation. Mayes County Commissioner Steve Grossman and industrial park officials support additional data center development, while state Rep. Mark Chapman said municipalities should evaluate projects individually rather than pursue immediate statewide legislation.