Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes pass data center ban
Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens in Oklahoma voted 261-83 to impose a three-year moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands. Supporters cited potential water consumption, environmental effects, economic concerns, transparency and impacts on the electrical grid, while Governor Wassanna argued that newer closed-loop cooling systems could substantially reduce water use.
Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal citizens approved a resolution placing a three-year moratorium on data center construction on tribal lands. The vote was 261-83, with seven abstentions, and the moratorium will remain in effect until October 2029.
Speakers raised concerns about water rights, drought, possible effects on buffalo herds and surrounding farms, economic exploitation, transparency and grid costs. Kyle Spotted Horse and other supporters called for additional study and disclosure, while Governor Wassanna said a potential facility could use a closed-loop cooling system requiring little water and could generate substantial financial benefits for the tribes.