Meta’s east Tulsa data center earns praise and protests

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, officially unveiled its $1 billion, 340-acre data center project in east Tulsa, dubbed "Project Anthem." The announcement, made at a closed-door event, drew praise from state and city officials, including Governor Kevin Stitt and top city economic development official Erran Persley. Governor Stitt highlighted the project's economic benefits, forecasting 100 operational jobs and 1,000 trade jobs during its peak three-year construction period. PartnerTulsa estimates the data center will generate $3.3 billion in economic activity, based on an $800 million construction cost, with Meta covering all project site expenses, including $25 million for public infrastructure. However, the announcement was met with protests outside the event center. About a dozen demonstrators voiced concerns about potential negative environmental impacts and financial burdens on nearby residents. In response, Governor Stitt and Meta Vice President of Data Center Development Gary Demasi emphasized that Meta will pay the full cost of electricity and water usage, ensuring Oklahoma ratepayers are not impacted. Meta has also committed to a net-zero water use goal, aiming to return as much water as it consumes.