Pawhuska approves temporary ban on data centers through end of year

The Pawhuska Public Works Authority has enacted a temporary moratorium on new data centers within the city limits, effective until December 31. According to City Manager Carol Jones, the purpose of this pause is to give officials sufficient time to comprehensively evaluate the potential impact data centers could have on the city's existing electrical infrastructure, including its substation, and on local utility rates. A new substation is anticipated to be completed in May, but the full power availability will only be known once it is fully energized.