Tuesday hearing to explore data center water use

  • October 20, 2025

 

 

A legislator’s exploration into the impact data centers could have on water resources in Oklahoma will be held Tuesday at the State Capitol.

Rep. Amanda Clinton (D-Tulsa) and the House Utilities will hold the hearing to explore  “The impact of data center expansion on Oklahoma’s water resources and power grid.” The hearing is scheduled to be held at 9:30 a.m. in room 450 of the capitol.

Rep. Clinton informed OK Energy Today she has speakers lined up from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s JLARC, a joint legislative, non-partisan commission that prepares a yearly report for the Commonwealth.

“Their most recent report was on data centers and you can find it here: https://jlarc.virginia.gov/landing-2024-data-centers-in-virginia.asp. As you likely know, northern VA is the data center capital of the world right now so I’m eager to hear their findings,” said Clinton.
“I will also have speakers from DEQ, OWRB, Dept. of Commerce, city of Stillwater, a Payne County commissioner and PSO.”

“TOPIC OF THE PROPOSAL:

The impact of data center expansion on Oklahoma’s water resources and power grid

EXPLANATORY COMMENTS ON THE SCOPE OF THE STUDY PROPOSAL:

Oklahoma has become an increasingly attractive location for data center expansion due to its low energy costs, available land, and tax incentives. However, data centers consume massive amounts of electricity and, in many cases, water, both of which are under increasing pressure due to climate conditions, industrial demands, and concerns about grid reliability.

This study will enable the legislature to assess the long-term effects of large-scale data center development on Oklahoma’s critical infrastructure, particularly our water resources and electric power grid.

This interim study will:

  1. Establish a baseline understanding of the current electricity and water usage by data centers in Oklahoma, as well as what future demand may look like.
  2. Assess the impact of current and proposed data center projects on regional and statewide energy demand vs. capacity.
  3. Investigate the water usage practices of large data centers and their impact on aquifers, municipal water systems, and future water security.
  4. Explore policy strategies to balance economic development with infrastructure needs and long-term protection of water resources..
  5. Consider potential legislation or regulatory frameworks to ensure that data center expansion occurs responsibly, with transparency, long-term sustainability, and tangible benefits for local communities.”

Jerry Bohnen