TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation has completed the Principal Chief’s Data Center Task Force Report, which examines the impacts of hyperscale data centers on the economy, environment, and communities within the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The report offers clear recommendations for these projects.
The task force, comprised of tribal leaders, subject matter experts, and community advisors, conducted surveys and extensive research over several months.
This week, the task force issued its report, highlighting the complexity and evolving nature of proposed data center development in Indian Country. The report notes significant concerns regarding energy and water consumption, air quality, infrastructure, and cultural resources. It also emphasizes the importance of robust community engagement and transparent consultation with tribal governments.
“It’s clear that our Cherokee Nation Administration, Council, and citizens have serious concerns about the construction of hyperscale data centers on our tribal lands, which affect our resources and cultural lifeways. Our primary responsibility is to protect our citizens and tribal communities from these threats, so we will not support any hyperscale data centers on our reservation without proper consultation,” Chief Hoskin said. “We want these companies to know that we expect them to engage with us early and transparently, as these projects impact every Cherokee.”
Based on the task force’s findings, Chief Hoskin is implementing a ban on hyperscale data center development on tribally owned and trust lands.
This policy ensures that Cherokee Nation properties are managed in alignment with Cherokee community values, prioritizing stewardship of resources and land, and protecting the environment.
The Data Center Task Force issued the following key findings:
- Hyperscale data center development presents multifaceted impacts on the economy, environment, and cultural resources, requiring careful, case-by-case evaluation.
- A large majority of Cherokee Nation citizens surveyed do not support hyperscale data center construction within the Cherokee Nation Reservation, citing environmental and community concerns.
- Hyperscale data centers impact energy consumption, water resources, air quality, and cause noise and light pollution. The scale of these impacts varies by project, underscoring the need for disclosure and consultation so citizens can assess the effects on their communities.
- Hyperscale data centers are expanding rapidly across Oklahoma, but there is no comprehensive or consistent method for tracking new or planned developments, as no established regulatory process exists for data center development.
- The report recommends ongoing monitoring, early and meaningful consultation, and strong community outreach for any proposed projects.
The Cherokee Nation will not consider supporting any hyperscale data center development on non tribally owned lands within the Cherokee Nation Reservation unless robust consultation is conducted with the tribe. Such consultation must address cultural and natural resource concerns and include meaningful community engagement throughout the project lifecycle, Chief Hoskin said.
The task force further recommends forming an advisory committee to evaluate future projects, participate in consultations with businesses, and advise the Principal Chief, ensuring Cherokee Nation remains responsive to new opportunities and challenges.