Gov Kevin Stitt weighs in on data centers during National Governors Association
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has publicly addressed the growing debate over data centers in the state, following recent contentious public meetings in Piedmont and Yukon where residents expressed universal opposition. Stitt emphasized that newly signed state legislation provides safeguards, including a ratepayer protection plan and a closed water system requirement, to mitigate concerns about electricity costs and water usage. He affirmed that data centers must adhere to all state environmental and operational guidelines.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has entered the contentious statewide debate surrounding data center development, following recent public meetings in Piedmont and Yukon where residents voiced strong, unanimous opposition. Concerns centered on potential increases in electricity bills and excessive water consumption. Governor Stitt acknowledged these worries, noting that even his own family members have expressed apprehension.
During a National Governors Association discussion, Stitt highlighted two key pieces of Oklahoma legislation aimed at mitigating these impacts. He referenced a "ratepayer protection plan" that mandates new electricity generation costs for data centers be borne by the large users themselves, not residential customers. Additionally, a "closed water system" requirement ensures data centers operate with minimal water usage.
While advocating for free markets and property rights, Governor Stitt stressed that any data center operating in Oklahoma must adhere to all state guidelines, including those from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to ensure clean air and water. He recently signed the White House’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which aims to shield consumers from higher utility bills linked to data center expansion.