Cherokee Nation Bans Hyperscale Data Center Projects on Tribal-Owned Lands

Cherokee Nation Bans Hyperscale Data Center Projects on Tribal-Owned Lands

The tribe cited concerns over energy, water use, and the relatively small number of permanent jobs these massive facilities create.

Cherokee Nation bans hyperscale data centers on its lands, won't support projects without consultation — energy and water consumption, air quality, noise, and cultural resource protection among concerns

Cherokee Nation, the largest tribe in the U.S. with more than 475,000 citizens, has banned hyperscale data center development on its tribally owned and trust lands, after a task force convened by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. found that 64% of 1,593 surveyed citizens opposed construction of the facilities inside the tribe's 14-county reservation in northeastern Oklahoma. The 37-page report cited energy and water consumption, air quality, nois…