James Lankford talks data centers and energy costs in Tulsa

U.S. Sen. James Lankford spoke to business leaders and elected officials Wednesday in Tulsa. He outlined legislative priorities covering power utility bills, large industrial projects, housing costs and federal permitting reviews.

Lankford addressed the Tulsa Regional Chamber Congressional Forum. The event took place at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Tulsa.

Questions remain about how new facilities affect electric demand and residential customer bills. Lankford said communities should have a voice in where builders place data centers.

“The location does matter for this, and local folks need to be able to have a voice and not get surprised,” Lankford said.

He pointed to the existing Google data center at MidAmerica Industrial Park. Lankford called it an appropriately located facility with sufficient access to power.

Lankford discussed federal legislation regarding electric infrastructure expenses. The measure aims to protect local ratepayers from paying for the added electric needs of facilities.

“On the federal level, we’re trying to do the same thing to say local ratepayers shouldn’t have to be able to bear the burden of an expanded need for a data center,” he said.

The legislation passed the U.S. House with bipartisan support. It has not advanced through the Senate. Lankford expects lawmakers to revisit the issue after the election.

The senator also discussed his push to reform federal reviews for large industrial projects. He said permits take years because projects undergo multiple reviews in sequence.

Lawmakers want certain reviews to proceed simultaneously. The plan also establishes clearer deadlines for legal challenges. Lankford said changes could encourage investment in refineries, roads and bridges.

“In the days ahead, there’s tremendous amount that you can actually do to reduce the price of everything. If you can get down the price of diesel and the price of gasoline, that’s refining capacity. A lot of that’s just permitting issue.”

Residents and local officials near Inola have raised concerns about a proposed aluminum smelter. It remains unconfirmed whether federal permitting changes could affect that project.

Lankford addressed housing affordability challenges facing teachers and first responders. Tariffs on construction materials can increase home prices. Lankford urged local leaders to reexamine building codes, secondary residence restrictions and manufactured housing rules.

The senator encouraged Oklahomans to vote in the midterm elections. He stated Republicans can retain control of the U.S. Senate.

“The American people are going to decide, and then we’re going to move forward. That’s what we do as Americans,” he said.

Lankford listed several unfinished priorities for Congress. Work remains on transportation measures, a farm bill and federal spending legislation.

“Oh, there’s still quite a bit that’s got to get done,” Lankford said. “We’ve got a farm bill that’s got to get done, transportation bills. We have a permitting bill that needs to get done.”

Federal permitting requirements operate separately from state environmental reviews. Local land-use decisions also function through independent local boards. Major industrial developments typically require approvals from both levels.

Lawmakers could take up permitting changes after the election. The timing and outcome remain uncertain for residents across Tulsa and Oklahoma.