What’s Built Here Matters

Oklahoma’s new Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act requires developers to cover their own costs. That is how this is supposed to work. Built Here shows how communities and data center developers can work together to create good jobs, thriving communities, and positive change.

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Oklahoma and the Infrastructure Opportunity

Oklahoma has taken strong action: state lawmakers passed a law that puts ratepayer protection first, before a proposed data center ever breaks ground.

What this means for Oklahoma

Oklahoma's Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act (HB 2992), signed by Governor Stitt in May 2026, requires data center developers to cover their own energy infrastructure costs and prohibits those costs from being passed to Oklahoma families or small businesses

Under HB 2992, developers must notify communities at least 60 days before purchasing land and hold public meetings so residents can ask questions and raise concerns before construction begins

Investment is already here. Google has announced $9 billion in data center investment in Oklahoma — generating construction employment, long-term operations jobs and property tax revenue for communities across the state (Google blog, August 2025)

Oklahoma's Quality Jobs Program makes data center operations eligible for state cash rebates tied to job creation and payroll — ensuring the public benefit is tied directly to employment outcomes

In the News: Voices of Support

"We're building more than a facility. We're building futures for working class people. This means more young people choosing a trade, learning valuable skills, and staying right here in Oklahoma to work and raise their families."
– Eric Lemley, Business Manager, Ironworkers Local 584 (Newsbreak, originally published by Fox 23; City of Claremore City Council Meeting, May 2026)
“We believe that this represents a major opportunity to attract investment, create quality jobs, and strengthen the economic foundation of our entire county. This project is designed not only to stimulate growth, but also to position our region as a competitive hub for advanced technology innovation.”
– Justin McLaughlin, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Tulsa Regional Chamber (Tulsa Board of County Commissioners Meeting, September 2025)
“The potential economic impact is staggering. In five years, we may have $5 billion to $8 billion in additional income for the city year after year. That’s significant income that we didn’t have two years ago, 15 years ago or 50 years ago.”
– Patrick Cale, Mayor of Muskogee (Journal Record, The Oklahoman)
“Over the course of the time since data centers have been in place, the district has really remade itself. We would not have been able to do the scope of work that we’ve been able to build the last 15 years without increased property valuation.”
–Dr. Lisa Muller, Superintendent, Pryor Public Schools (News 12, May 2026)