OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — The Brookings Institution published a new analysis Thursday arguing that communities should treat hyperscale data centers as “ecosystem‑shaping moments,” trading land, permits and grid access for concrete co‑investments in workforce, R&D, testbeds and energy innovation—not just short‑term construction jobs. The paper says AI‑era scale is giving regions more leverage to negotiate “grand bargains” that lock in shared prosperity rather than one‑off real‑estate deals.
The authors—Mark Muro, Daniel Goetzel and Shriya Methkupally—contend the standard siting model has delivered modest long‑term local benefits, but AI’s rapid buildout is changing the calculus. They point to emerging models that tie data center investments to university research access, local talent pipelines, startup collaboration, and grid‑stabilization pilots, and note that states can ask for more because hyperscalers are racing for power, land and approvals.
Brookings’ bottom line: “Regions should treat data center negotiations not as isolated real estate transactions but as ecosystem‑shaping moments that trade infrastructure access for commitments to advance local innovation, talent, and industry strengths.” The analysis also concludes that “states and regions are beginning to remember that their land, approvals, infrastructure, water, and electricity are invaluable.”
In Oklahoma, lawmakers have filed a slate of bills this session that would reshape how—and whether—hyperscale projects move forward, from creating directories and separate rate classes to pausing new builds while the state studies water, grid and property impacts.
Oklahoma bills in play
- HB 2992 — Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act (Rep. Brad Boles): would require data centers to cover their share of grid infrastructure so costs aren’t shifted to other ratepayers. Bill page • House news release • News coverage
- HB 3095 — Rural Landowners Protection Act (Rep. Molly Jenkins): calls for a landowner vote within five miles of proposed facilities (including large data centers) before permits or approvals are issued. Introduced text (PDF) • Bill tracker • Industry press
- HB 3394 — Oklahoma Hyperscale Data Center Directory Act (Rep. Amanda Clinton): directs the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to maintain a statewide directory of hyperscale data centers. Bill page • Tracker
- HB 3397 — Separate utility rate class for large data centers (Rep. Amanda Clinton): instructs OCC to create a distinct service class/tariff so large loads pay costs proportional to service. Introduced text (PDF) • Tracker • Context
- HB 3917 — Grid Modernization surcharge for large data centers (Rep. Mickey Dollens): adds a peak‑time surcharge for large‑load data centers; revenues flow to a Grid Modernization Revolving Fund. Introduced text (PDF) • Tracker/status
- HB 4194 — Data Center Decommissioning Act (Rep. Mark Chapman): requires financial assurance and timely cleanup/decommissioning at shutdown; clarifies costs aren’t borne by the state. Introduced text (PDF) • Tracker
- HB 4219 — “Data Centers Act of 2026” (shell bill) (Rep. Clay Staires): placeholder for later policy language. Introduced text (PDF) • Tracker
- HB 4424 — Limits property‑tax exemptions for data centers (Speaker Kyle Hilbert): narrows ad valorem manufacturing exemptions to exclude computer services/data processing facilities. Introduced text (PDF) • Tracker • Coverage
- SB 1488 — Three‑year moratorium while OCC studies impacts (Sen. Kendal Sacchieri): pauses new data centers until Nov. 1, 2029; directs OCC to study rates, water, property values and siting. Bill summary (PDF) • Senate release • Coverage
- SB 1706 — Bars foreign control/leases of Oklahoma data centers (Sen. Warren Hamilton): prohibits foreign principals from renting, leasing or having controlling interests; requires divestment. Introduced text (PDF) • Tracker • Senate release
Brookings urges “ask for more” as AI projects seek Oklahoma power and permits while lawmakers are testing how far to go—up to and including a temporary pause—while the state tallies benefits, costs, and long‑term obligations.
