Data center legislation passes the Oklahoma Senate.

 

Legislation was passed through the Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday that would protect Oklahomans from higher utility costs as more data centers continue to pop up across the state. This would add more transparency requirements and community input for companies wishing to install a data center. The large data centers, such as one proposed near Sand Springs, would have to cover their share of electricity and infrastructure costs if the measure becomes law. The bill would also force these data centers to give a 60 day notice before purchasing land. That notice would have to go through the Corporation Commission, county commissioners and any property owners living within five miles of the proposed site.

 

This type of notification was not given to Osage County Commissioners when the "Project Spring" data center purchased land near Sand Springs. District Three Commissioner Charlie Cartwright says the lack of notification was disappointing

 

At least 30 additional senators and representatives have signed on as co-authors. The bill now returns to the House for further consideration.