PAWHUSKA SAYS NO: Officials vote for halt on data center talk

The Pawhuska City Council in Oklahoma has voted to impose a halt on any discussions or development related to a proposed data center project until the end of 2026. The decision came after a city council meeting where officials, including the Mayor, expressed concerns about the inadequacy of the city's power infrastructure to support such a facility. Residents also voiced strong opposition. Buckley Brothers, the firm identified as the prospective developer, had claimed that the data center would not utilize city water nor cause excessive pollution, and stated its proposed footprint was between 18 and 30,000 square feet on an 18-acre lot bordering a school. However, these assurances were met with skepticism from local officials and residents. The unanimous vote by the crowd at the Constantine Theater against the developer's letter, combined with the City Council's 3-2 vote, reflected significant community and governmental resistance. The moratorium on data center talks is set to remain in effect for the remainder of 2026, marking a significant win for local residents and highlighting ongoing concerns about infrastructure capacity and environmental impact.