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Tulsa residents are outraged and with good reason. Another large data center has been planned for 506 acres between Tulsa/Owasso area slated for the Northwest corner of E 76th Street N and North Sheridan Road. Details on the development are sketchy and many of the residents in that community are frustrated with the lack of information provided.
Data centers are promoted as great growth and job opportunities, but typically employ only a few dozen depending on the size of the center. However, data centers can have a significantly negative environmental and social impact, including high energy consumption which can result in a lack of power for citizens, water usage (estimated 1 BILLION gallons a year), contaminants as the waste water is discharged, noise pollution and decreased property values. Recent reports highlight growing concerns about their sustainability and the strain they place on local resources and communities.
Why was this hidden from residents as Tulsa County Commissioner and chair of INCOG, Stan Sallee was pushing this through? Once it started to come to light, instead of talking with constituents over the issue, he went on vacation. Coward.
On July 16 the Tulsa County Commissioners meet again regarding this issue. We need help to let them know this isn't good for Tulsa and Owasso!
ACTION STEP NEEDED - please write/email the Tulsa County Commissioners to stop this center.
Subject: Postpone Project Clydesdale Vote
Dear Tulsa County Commissioners,
As a concerned resident, I am outraged by the secrecy shrouding "Project Clydesdale," the proposed data center in Tulsa County. The involvement of attorney Lou Reynolds, vice chairman of the Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority, raises great concern with his record of concealing project backers from the public. As you know he pushed for a mere one-week vote delay from you to accommodate his client over public objection. This signals a blatant conflict of interest that has eroded public trust. He hopes we will go away. We won't!
Residents, myself included, are appalled by the lack of transparency and woefully inadequate public notice, which stifled our right to engage in this critical decision. The project’s staggering water and electricity demands, coupled with the risk of toxic water discharge, pose a severe threat to our environment and community. These issues demand rigorous scrutiny, not closed-door dealings.
I demand you:
1. Disclose all project details, including the identities of its backers, immediately.
2. Extend the public review period and ensure proper notification for all future meetings.
3. Conduct a thorough, independent environmental impact assessment addressing water, electricity, and pollution risks.
4. Address and resolve any conflicts of interest, starting with Mr. Reynolds’ role.
This is our community, and we deserve answers. I expect a prompt written response outlining concrete actions to restore transparency and protect our interests.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Send to: Tulsa County Commissioners
Stan Sallee (elected 2018)
ssallee@tulsacounty.org
918-596-5920
District 1
Lonnie Sims (elected Jan 2025)
lsims@tulsacounty.org
918-596-5015
District 2
Kelly Dunkerley (elected Aug 2022)
kdunkerley@tulsacounty.org
918-596 5010
District 3
NEXT STEP - SHOW UP July 16!
For those who are able, please come to the July 16 - 10 a.m. Board of County Commissioners Special meeting at 218 W 6th St, Room 132 in Tulsa.
Numbers matter. Let's protect Tulsa and Owasso!
Blessings,
Karen Hardin
Director, AwakeOklahoma.com
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