Oklahoma City approves moratorium on new data center projects

The Oklahoma City Council unanimously approved an emergency ordinance imposing a moratorium on new data center development, effective until December 31, 2026. The decision, supported by city leaders, aims to provide a "necessary timeout" to assess the demands that large-scale data center projects, particularly hyperscale facilities, place on local resources. The moratorium specifically halts the city from accepting or approving rezoning requests and permits for data centers. City officials stated that the pause is crucial for a closer examination of these facilities' impacts on water usage, power supply, and adjacent neighborhoods, while also promoting transparency. Trevor Francis, a data center owner in Oklahoma City, voiced concerns that the moratorium would prevent his company from expanding its central cooling plant and hinder existing tenants from expanding their operations. The city may consider amendments to the ordinance before its expiration, but for now, the development of new data centers is on hold to ensure community consideration and resource planning.