A loophole leaves Oklahoma data center water consumption largely untracked

Oklahoma residents, including Pencia Truhan, are concerned about proposed data centers near their properties due to lack of transparency regarding water usage. A state law (Senate Bill 259) requires water-efficient cooling systems for data centers, but operators avoid water permits by purchasing water from municipal utilities, leaving usage untracked. Oklahoma has 55 listed data centers, none of which have applied for water permits.