Bill > SB1488

This bill establishes a moratorium, meaning a temporary halt, on building or establishing "data centers" in Oklahoma until November 1, 2029. A data center is defined as a facility designed to handle a significant electrical load of 100 megawatts or more, primarily for storing, managing, and processing digital data, and includes all related infrastructure like backup power and cooling systems. Before the moratorium ends, the Corporation Commission, which is Oklahoma's state agency responsible for regulating utilities and businesses, must conduct a study on the potential impacts of data centers on the state's water supply, utility rates, property values, and other relevant areas. Additionally, the Commission will study ideal locations for data centers for security reasons. The findings of this study, along with recommendations for regulating data centers to protect the electric grid, water, environment, and citizen privacy, must be submitted electronically to the Legislature. The Corporation Commission is also authorized to create rules to implement these provisions.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1488&Session=2600