Data center moratorium in OKC

The Oklahoma City Council recently approved a temporary moratorium on new data centers, effective immediately. This decision, prompted by City Manager Craig Freeman, aims to halt the acceptance and processing of new applications, rezoning requests, and permits for data center construction or expansion within city limits. Freeman highlighted the increasing demand on city resources from hyperscale data centers, emphasizing the need for a strategic evaluation of growth. The moratorium is set to last until December 31, 2026, or until new amendments to the city's zoning code specifically addressing data centers are approved by the Council. Planning Director Jeff Butler noted that substantial research has already been conducted by various city departments to draft a relevant ordinance. Taylor Sanchez of Honor the Earth, an Indigenous organization, spoke in favor of the moratorium, stressing that such municipal actions are crucial for community protection against data developers and for ensuring transparency and informed consent regarding resource extraction.