Oklahoma City Council Enacts Moratorium on Data Center Construction Amid Environmental Concerns
The Oklahoma City Council has unanimously approved a moratorium on the construction and expansion of data centers, effective until the end of 2026. This decision, supported by Mayor David Holt, aims to address concerns about the environmental impact of data centers, particularly their demand for electricity and water, which could potentially increase utility bills for residents. The moratorium also includes an appeals process for projects seeking exemption. The decision comes amid growing resistance to hyperscale data centers across the U.S., including in other parts of Oklahoma. During the council meeting, environmental advocates, such as Taylor Sanchez from Honor the Earth, highlighted potential public health risks, referencing a case involving Amazon in Oregon. Conversely, industry representatives like Trevor Francis, CEO of 46 Labs, expressed concerns about the moratorium's immediate effect on related projects, such as cooling plants. The council plans to revisit the moratorium to clarify its scope and... 
