Water remains a big topic when it comes to any discussion of data centers. It is the focus of those opposing data centers proposed in Luther, Piedmont and Yukon in the central part of Oklahoma.
A recent report by Investigate Midwest found a loophole in an existing bill signed into law last May by Gov. Kevin Stitt.
The measure, Senate Bill 259, authored by Rep. Carl Newton and Sen. Brent Howard, allows groundwater permits only for data centers using cooling systems designed to conserve and recycle their needed water. However, data centers do not need the groundwater or surface water permits to operate their facilities. They can purchase water from municipal utilities…