OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt is reiterating his support for data center development in Oklahoma, saying the facilities should not be prohibited as questions continue to surface about their impact on electricity demand, water use and land.
In an interview with KOCO 5 News, Stitt framed the issue around free-market principles and private property rights as discussion over large-scale data center projects expands in parts of the state.
“Absolutely, they shouldn’t be banned at all,” Stitt told KOCO. “We believe in free markets. If somebody buys land and they have property, they should be able to develop that property.”
The governor’s comments come as Oklahoma continues to draw interest for energy-intensive data centers tied to artificial intelligence and cloud computing growth — a trend that has prompted increased scrutiny in some communities already navigating major infrastructure proposals, including transmission lines and turnpike expansions.
As previously reported by OKPoliticsToday.com, lawmakers this session advanced new guardrails aimed at shielding residential utility customers from subsidizing the significant electricity demands associated with large-scale data centers, including legislation aimed at ensuring new power generation costs tied to large users are not shifted onto residential customers.
Stitt told KOCO the state should balance economic growth with protections for ratepayers and natural resources. He said he does not want residential customers absorbing added energy costs and supports safeguards on water usage, including ensuring data centers do not place undue strain on Oklahoma’s water resources.
“I don’t want your electricity price to go up,” Stitt said.
Industry advocates argue Oklahoma’s relatively low energy costs, available land and pro-business regulatory climate position the state to compete for major private investment. At the same time, some residents and local leaders have called for clearer standards and oversight as projects are considered.
Stitt said the developments align with his broader economic agenda.
“We want more development, we want cheaper electricity, we want to make sure that we have great jobs for people, and we want our state to continue to grow,” he told KOCO.
The issue is beginning to surface in Oklahoma’s 2026 political cycle, particularly in areas where large-scale projects have been proposed.
Source: KOCO 5 News
