Gov. Stitt signs two data center accountability bills
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed two new laws aimed at data center accountability. House Bill 2992, the Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act, requires large data centers to cover their energy infrastructure costs, preventing these expenses from being passed to residents. Senate Bill 259, the Groundwater Modernization Act, overhauls state water policy and enhances the Oklahoma Water Resources Board's oversight and enforcement powers.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt presided over a ceremonial bill signing at the Oklahoma State Capitol, enacting two significant new laws. These legislative actions are designed to support the continued expansion of large-scale data centers across the state while simultaneously safeguarding Oklahoma's utility customers and enhancing its energy and water infrastructure.
The first bill, House Bill 2992, known as the Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act, mandates that large data centers assume the financial responsibility for their energy infrastructure needs. This measure is intended to prevent these substantial costs from being passed on to Oklahoma residents, thereby allowing for market-driven growth in the data center sector without burdening residential ratepayers.
Concurrently, Senate Bill 259, the Groundwater Modernization Act, introduces a comprehensive overhaul of the state's water policy. Taking effect on November 1, 2026, this law significantly strengthens the oversight and enforcement capabilities of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) and updates the reporting requirements for all groundwater users throughout the state.