Bill passes requiring Congressional approval of data centers
The Osage Nation Congress passed ONCA 26-70, which would require congressional approval before any data center could be approved within the Osage Reservation. The measure responds partly to opposition to Google-linked Project Spring near Sand Springs in southern Osage County, but it still awaits Principal Chief Joe Tillman’s signature and has drawn constitutional objections from some lawmakers.
The Osage Nation Congress voted 10-2 on Oct. 5 to pass ONCA 26-70, a bill that would prevent any Osage Nation agency or entity from approving a data center within the reservation without congressional approval. The measure was sponsored by Congresswoman Angela Pratt and now awaits Principal Chief Joe Tillman’s signature; because the legislative session has ended, the bill could also be pocket-vetoed.
The bill comes as Project Spring, a proposed data center near Sand Springs in southern Osage County, faces opposition. Google has reportedly contacted community members about the project, which would require approval from the Osage Minerals Council for a federal permit. Supporters say the bill ensures the elected Osage lawmakers have a role, while opponents including Congresswoman Maria Whitehorn and Congressman Eli Potts argue it may infringe on the Minerals Council’s authority and could be unconstitutional. Lawmakers also discussed creating a data center subcommittee to study the issue.