The city council wants to "step back" and evaluate how to approach new data center proposals.
The Oklahoma City Council unanimously approved an emergency moratorium on new zoning and development applications for data centers through the end of 2026, report Maria Guinnip and Steve Lackmeyer in The Oklahoman.
According to the article, "City Manager Craig Freeman described the ordinance as allowing local leaders to step back and evaluate concerns with staff and developers about facilities moving forward and to develop a strategic and consistent response, possibly amending city codes to specifically address hyperscale data centers."
The ordinance exempts two proposed data centers that are already in the permitting pipeline. The moratorium also creates an appeal process for affected businesses, addressing concerns that the ordinance is overly restrictive and could impact other businesses.
Read the full story: Oklahoma City passes moratorium to block new data centers through 2026
New York State pauses all new data center projects
An executive order from Gov. Hochul prohibits new data center permits until the state finalizes an environmental review of their impacts.
Jersey City bans stand-alone data centers
The city updated its land use ordinance to exclude data centers as an acceptable use in the industrial district.
Texas town's data center ban challenged by state senator
In June, San Marcos became the first city in Texas to prohibit data centers.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
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In Texas, data centers are swallowing promised parkland
Residents who moved to Taylor, Texas for a rural community now have to contend with three data centers in their backyard.
How a Chicago-sized wind farm beat the odds and powered on
The project spanned five presidential administrations and a standoff with a U.S. military base.
MTA gives itself 30 days to transform pit into basketball court
The site has been under construction since 2022; the city originally estimated it would finish the court in 2024.
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