Oklahoma Legislator Seeks Pause on Data Center Development

State Senator Kendall Sacchieri calls for temporary halt amid concerns over water usage and other unknowns.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:15am

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An Oklahoma state senator is proposing a pause on new data center development in the state, citing concerns over the impact on water resources and other unknown factors. Sen. Kendall Sacchieri says there are many unanswered questions about the long-term effects of the growing data center industry in Oklahoma.

Why it matters

Data centers have been a hot-button issue in Oklahoma as the state has seen an influx of new facilities in recent years. Some lawmakers and residents are worried about the strain these energy-intensive operations could place on the state's water supply and other infrastructure.

The details

Sen. Sacchieri is proposing a temporary moratorium on new data center projects in Oklahoma until more research can be done on their long-term impacts. He says there are many unknowns when it comes to the water usage and other effects of these facilities, and he wants to ensure the state is prepared before allowing further development.

  • Sen. Sacchieri announced the proposal on February 4, 2026.

The players

Sen. Kendall Sacchieri

An Oklahoma state senator who is proposing a pause on new data center development in the state.

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What they’re saying

“There are a lot of unknowns about data centers when it comes to things like water usage and other long-term impacts. We need to take a step back and make sure we understand the full picture before allowing more of these facilities to be built.”

— Sen. Kendall Sacchieri, Oklahoma State Senator (KFOR)

What’s next

The proposal will now go before the state legislature for consideration.

The takeaway

Oklahoma's data center boom has raised concerns about the industry's strain on the state's resources, leading one lawmaker to call for a temporary pause on new development until the long-term impacts can be better understood.