Local Officials Offer Contrasting Views on Stillwater Data Center at State Study

County commissioner who cast sole 'no' vote raises water and transparency concerns while city touts jobs and Google donations at legislative hearing on industry impacts.

Chris Peters

Oct 23, 2025 - 9 min read

Payne County Commissioner Rhonda Markum testifies Tuesday at the Oklahoma House Utilities Committee study on data center impacts. Behind her are (center) Meridian Technology Center CEO Dr. Doug Major and Stillwater City Manager Brady Moore, who presented contrasting views on the Google project.

Local Officials Offer Contrasting Views on Stillwater Data Center at State Study — Payne County Commissioner Rhonda Markum testifies Tuesday at the Oklahoma House Utilities Committee study on data center impacts. Behind her are (center) Meridian Technology Center CEO Dr. Doug Major and Stillwater City Manager Brady Moore, who presented contrasting views on the Google project.

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