Tribal Advocates, Residents Protest Secrecy Around Meta-backed Tulsa Data Center

A private groundbreaking event for a massive hyperscale data center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, revealed tech giant Meta as the backer of the controversial Project Anthem. While developers promoted economic benefits inside the invitation-only gathering for Phase 1 of a 340-acre campus, community members, tribal advocates, and local officials protested outside, citing concerns about environmental impacts, transparency, and public accountability. Tulsa City Councilors Laura Bellis and Jackie Dutton stood with protesters, emphasizing the need for meaningful community engagement that has yet to happen. The announcement follows weeks of mounting opposition that led Project Anthem to withdraw its proposed Phase 2 and prompted the Tulsa City Council to unanimously approve a citywide moratorium on new data center developments through 2026. Protesters, including the Indigenous-led Honor the Earth and the Stop Data Colonialism Coalition, criticized the project's secrecy and potential long-term effects on water supplies, electricity costs, and local infrastructure, characterizing it as an "extractive industry" targeting vulnerable communities. Meta representatives have pledged economic benefits, infrastructure investment, workforce development partnerships, and assistance for low-income residents, promising to replenish water usage and avoid increasing energy costs. However, opponents argue these commitments are insufficient. Chey Morgan of the Stop Data Colonialism Coalition also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving an attorney connected to the project who serves on the City of Tulsa Utility Board. Honor the Earth's Ash Leitka linked the Tulsa project to a national debate over the environmental and social costs of AI infrastructure, warning against understated impacts. Despite the moratorium, opponents indicate the fight is ongoing as Oklahoma continues to attract AI and data infrastructure expansion. Organizations like Honor the Earth's No Data Centers Coalition are connecting local efforts nationwide, framing the issue as one of environmental justice and tribal sovereignty amid growing tensions between the digital economy's demands and community rights.