Consideration of Data Center Moratorium Until End of 2026

The City of Edmond held a council meeting on June 9, 2026, to consider and ultimately approve Ordinance Number 4091, which establishes a moratorium on accepting applications for data center-related rezonings, building permits, and operations until December 31, 2026. The moratorium aims to provide the city time to research and develop policies regarding data center types, zoning, environmental impacts, and community concerns such as water usage, noise, and infrastructure strain. Public comments reflected a mix of support and opposition, highlighting issues like water resource management, noise pollution, tax revenue potential, and environmental risks including PFAS contamination. The council unanimously passed the moratorium and an emergency clause to enact it immediately, with plans to update the council and community through ongoing research and public engagement before considering future data center projects.