Oklahoma City leaders place moratorium on data centers
News ClipKOKH·Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, OK·4/22/2026
Oklahoma City leaders have approved a temporary moratorium on new data centers within city limits, effective immediately and lasting until December 31, 2026. This pause allows the city to study the impact of data centers on local resources like energy, water, and land use, and to develop a new regulatory framework. The moratorium prevents new applications, rezoning requests, and permits for data center construction or expansion.
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Gov: Oklahoma City Council, Oklahoma City Manager
Oklahoma City leaders have enacted a temporary moratorium on new data center developments within the city's boundaries, effective immediately. The Oklahoma City Council approved the measure, which will remain in place until December 31, 2026, or until the city council approves amendments to the city's zoning code specifically addressing data centers.
City Manager Craig Freeman stated that the pause is intended to provide the city with more time to understand the comprehensive effects of data centers on community resources such, as energy consumption, water demand, and land use. The goal is to ensure that future data center projects align with the community's needs and support sustainable, long-term growth. During this period, the city council will evaluate potential impacts and work to determine an appropriate regulatory framework for guiding future developments. Two specific pending rezoning cases are exempt from the moratorium.