Bryan County Commissioners passed a resolution establishing a temporary moratorium on the development, permitting and construction of data centers in the county during a recent meeting.
The resolution states that data centers are large industrial facilities that house computer servers that require significant electrical power and water resources.
“Such facilities may place substantial demands on rural electric grids, water systems, roadways, emergency services and other public resources and Bryan County currently lacks comprehensive zoning regulations, land-use standards, infrastructure impact requirements and environmental guidelines specifically addressing the siting and operation of data centers,” the resolution states.
According to the resolution, without these standards in place, the county could be exposed to excessive strain on utilities, increased noise levels, incompatible land use near residential or agriculture areas and long-term economic or environmental impacts.
District No. 3 Commissioner Brandon Carr said he has been in contact with State Sen. David Bullard and the legislature is trying to pass regulations for data centers.
“There’s too many unknowns with it, especially with the water issues that we have in Bryan County already,” Carr said. “Rural Water 5 is already not giving out anymore meters because of the water shortages and that’s mainly because of infrastructure and it’s going to take time to get Bryan County’s infrastructure up for the water issues and I just think it’s in Bryan County’s best interest at this time.
“Choctaw County did it. Tulsa’s county actually started this, this is where we got the copy of this resolution. Choctaw County passed theirs and I’ve been reached out by several people and senators and state reps that we probably need to do this.”
The moratorium is in effect for 365 days as of Sept. 30, unless extended, amended or terminated by further action of the board of commissioners.