Data centers are generating fierce opposition across Oklahoma, but could these projects also benefit local taxpayers?

Pete Sepp, president of the National Taxpayers Union, joins Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton to present a different perspective on the data center debate. Sepp argues that responsibly developed data centers can expand local tax bases, stabilize residential property taxes and create economic activity beyond the jobs located inside the facilities.

But this isn’t an argument for giving developers a blank check. Ryan and Pete discuss the need for public transparency, responsible water and energy policies, equal tax treatment and agreements requiring data centers to cover the infrastructure costs they create.

They also examine whether developers should contribute directly to roads, schools, public safety and other community priorities — and why residents must be included before consequential decisions are made.

The central question isn’t simply whether data centers are good or bad. It’s whether Oklahoma communities can negotiate projects that deliver more value than cost.

In this episode:

• The potential effect on local property taxes

• Tax incentives versus equal tax treatment

• Data center electricity and water demands

• Closed-loop cooling technology

• Construction, maintenance and supporting jobs

• Developer-funded electrical-grid upgrades

• Community benefit agreements

• NDAs and public transparency

• The right of communities to reject a project

Learn more about the National Taxpayers Union at NTU.org.

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