Cherokee Nation joins list of tribes banning data centers on tribal lands due to water, energy, noise, and cultural resource protection concerns — and all new projects require ‘early consultation’

The Cherokee Nation has imposed a temporary halt on constructing new data centers within its tribal lands. The decision, which will also apply to all future projects, is due to concerns about the potential impact on the local environment and cultural resources. According to a survey conducted by a task force led by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., 64% of 1,593 Cherokee Nation citizens opposed the establishment of data center campuses within the reservation, which spans approximately 6,963 square miles across 14 counties in Oklahoma.

The poll's findings were detailed in a 37-page report that focused on issues such as water consumption, air quality, noise pollution, and the protection of cultural resources.

Citizens expressed worries about the potential negative effects of these projects, including job replacement, environmental degradation, and rising energy costs. As a result, the Cherokee Nation's citizens have expressed their opposition to hyperscale data center development on tribal territory. Additionally, the report stated that any data center seeking approval for construction on non-tribal land within the reservation would require early consultation with the Cherokee Nation and would not receive support unless this consultation took place.

Chief Hoskin emphasized that the primary responsibility of the Cherokee Nation is to protect its citizens and tribal communities from potential threats.

While there is no specific Oklahoma state regulation mandating data centers to register, estimates of the number of planned and operational data centers vary. CleanView estimates that there are 41 planned and operational sites, whereas the US Data Center Map suggests the number could be as high as 51. However, it is important to note that all hyperscale projects within the state are currently located on non-tribal land.

Notably, Google's Pryor campus, which has been operational since 2011, is currently undergoing expansion as part of a $2 billion investment in the Stillwater and Pryor campuses.