In the midst of Oklahoma's tech-driven economic evolution, Representative Amanda Clinton of Tulsa set a spotlight on the implications of data center expansion on the state's essential resources. Conducting an Interim Study with the Utilities Committee, Clinton probed into the burgeoning presence of hyperscale data centers — immense facilities catering to the needs of social media, streaming services, and artificial intelligence technologies. "Data centers are an increasingly significant part of Oklahoma’s economy and infrastructure," Clinton pointed out, according to an article by the Oklahoma House.
As homegrown businesses continue to flourish alongside these digital giants, the study unearthed concerns such as staggering water consumption and electricity demand. While hyperscalers may support our online endeavors, they also threaten to strain local utilities to their limits. Clinton's study, prompted by headlines about potential data centers' water usage, uncovered that alternative technologies could alleviate water overuse. "My goal today was to start a real conversation about how we accommodate this growing industry without compromising water quality and quantity," Clinton told the Oklahoma House.
Adding to the complexity is the energy need these data centers bring to the table, with Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) flagging an all-time high demand for electricity within recent filings to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC). In one instance, PSO is preparing to service a new customer projected to require over 1,000 MW of power — dwarfing their previous largest customer's 130 MW load. Clinton reflected on this data, noting the collaboration between the tech sector and local municipalities in crafting these development deals.
During the committee hearing, finding hard data on long-term employment yields of such massive constructions was not straightforward. "Finding reliable data on how many permanent, local jobs hyperscalers create was difficult," Clinton said on the Oklahoma House of Representatives, as the Oklahoma Department of Commerce suggests that these data centers might produce fewer than 10 local jobs per structure. Nevertheless, the undeniable capital investment from tech companies in Tulsa brings a silver lining to regional business growth. Clinton, however, remains focused on the broader picture, seeking a balanced approach to nurturing the industry while prioritizing Oklahoman welfare and the environment.
Representing a cross-section of viewpoints, presentations at the study offered insights into economic, energy, water, and community impacts, aiming to outline a roadmap for integrating hyperscale data centers into Oklahoma's landscape. Experts who lent their perspectives included representatives from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Payne County, the City of Stillwater, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, and PSO. Clinton expressed gratitude for the shared expertise and envisioned more comprehensive dialogue in future discussions, as per the statements obtained by the Oklahoma House.
