Senator Casey Murdock hosted a Senate committee meeting to discuss the potential economic benefits of data centers alongside concerns about water use, electricity costs and their effects on Oklahoma communities.
Economists and a national security expert presented to the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee. Murdock said lawmakers need to hear different perspectives before developing policies governing the industry.
“Data centers can bring significant economic benefits, but the process must be transparent,” Murdock said. “Intentional guardrails and strong transparency measures could be key to attracting data centers while still protecting Oklahoma communities.”
Rick Evans, senior economist at the Abundance Institute, estimated that a 300-megawatt data center valued at $2.5 billion could generate between $12.5 million and $25 million annually in additional property tax revenue.
Murdock said that level of investment could make a significant difference in the rural counties he represents.
“In the Panhandle and northwest Oklahoma, we’re losing businesses faster than we’re gaining them, so I’m always looking for ways to attract new industries and high-paying jobs to the region,” Murdock said.
Oklahoma State University economists Mckenzie Boyce and Brian Whitacre discussed construction and permanent jobs, potential changes in property values, and demands on water and electricity.
Boyce said the economic benefits vary considerably depending on the project, the community and the agreement between the developer and local government.
Alexander Gray, chief executive officer of American Global Strategies, also discussed data centers’ role in artificial intelligence and national security, arguing that American leadership in AI is important to competition with China.
