By Paris Rain, FOX23.com News Staff
Data centers remain a growing topic of conversation across Oklahoma, and Monday night dozens of residents gathered in Mayes County to learn more about multiple projects proposed for the area and discuss how they can respond.
The meeting focused on two potential data center developments being considered near Pryor and Adair. Organizers said the goal was to provide residents with the latest information available, build a local coalition and connect with other communities across Oklahoma facing similar proposals.
Many attendees raised concerns about the impact additional data centers could have on the area’s infrastructure and natural resources.
“What’s going to happen if we bring in another data center? Where are they going to pull that electricity from?” resident Jeff Thompson asked during the meeting.
Others questioned how projects are introduced to communities and whether residents are being informed early enough in the planning process.
“These projects happen very quietly,” said Mayes County resident Kim Ritchie. “Communities all over the state of Oklahoma are rising up because they don’t want them located near residential areas and in places where they don’t belong.”
Throughout the meeting, residents shared personal experiences and discussed strategies communities have used to influence development decisions.
Organizers said they hope getting involved early will give residents an opportunity to have a voice before projects move forward.
“For those people who are inclined to think this is not a good thing for our community, that’s good news, because if we get started early, we may be able to have some influence on whether they locate where they want to locate or not,” one speaker told the audience.
State Rep. Tom Gann also addressed the crowd, encouraging residents to ask detailed questions of developers and elected officials before any agreements are made.
“Before anybody promises water, construction, infrastructure, tax advantages or changes to land use rules, the public deserves complete answers,” Gann said. “We need to identify the developer, identify the operators, show the parcel that will be affected, disclose the maximum electrical load, peak water demand, cooling system, permanent jobs, tax treatment, noise study, emergency plan and every proposed public obligation.”
Gann also reminded residents that they are already familiar with the demands data centers can place on local resources through existing development in the area’s industrial park.
Organizers said Monday’s meeting was less about voicing opposition and more about creating a plan of action. They said residents have the right to ask questions, stay informed and advocate for decisions they believe will protect their property, community and quality of life.
