Landowners in Grady County raise concerns over proposed data center
Landowners in Grady County, Oklahoma, are raising concerns about a proposed data center near Amber, seeking more information on its potential impacts to their rural community regarding noise, lighting, and water. Aligned Data Centers confirmed it acquired the land and is in early planning stages, promising future engagement with residents. An upcoming meeting is scheduled between the landowners and company officials.
Landowners in rural Grady County, Oklahoma, are voicing significant concerns over a proposed data center near Amber, urging the developer to provide more details on its potential impact on their agricultural community. Residents, including David Turner, Kim Kennedy, and Rebecca Smith, emphasize the area's rural character and fear adverse effects such as increased noise, light pollution, and strain on water resources. They express feeling "devastated" by the prospect and question the lack of transparency from both the company and local officials.
The landowners, who began organizing after learning about the development, claim they were caught off guard and are seeking more factual information about the project's implications for their livelihoods. They are particularly worried about the disruption to their generations-long farming and ranching traditions.
Aligned Data Centers confirmed it has acquired land in the area for a data center but stated the project is in early planning stages and specific details are not yet public. The company highlighted its data centers' design to minimize water use through closed-loop systems and pledged to create opportunities for residents and stakeholders to learn more and ask questions as plans progress.
An upcoming meeting between the Grady County landowners and data center officials is scheduled for Monday, August 10th, where residents plan to address their questions and concerns directly.