A planned data center near Lawton fell through after Oklahoma’s land commissioners repeatedly delayed approving the lease, resulting in lost revenue for public education.
Boomtown Manufacturing won an auction in April for a 388-acre parcel east of Lawton but canceled its lease in November after commissioners tabled votes throughout the summer. Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur wanted neighbors better informed about the project, while State Auditor Cindy Byrd questioned whether selling the land would benefit the state more than leasing it.
Data centers have sparked controversy across Oklahoma as residents worry about electricity and water consumption. Despite Boomtown planning a town hall for October, the company withdrew before it could happen. Commissioners voted 5-0 on December 3 to accept the cancellation.
Governor Kevin Stitt, who chairs the land commission, expressed frustration over losing education trust fund revenue.
“You’re supposed to lease them,” Stitt told Oklahoma Watch. “You put them out to bid, and you’re supposed to go to the highest bidder.”
The cancellation follows commissioners’ rejection of a wind farm lease in Woodward County earlier this year. Stitt defended property rights while acknowledging community concerns, pointing to legislation requiring industrial electricity generators to include natural gas in their mix.
The Commissioners of the Land Office manages a $2.9 billion portfolio that generated over $156 million for Oklahoma education in fiscal year 2025.
Paul Monies’ story has the details.
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Oklahoma’s tallest Christmas tree is a 102-foot artificial tree in Enid topped with a 20-foot star.
Ciao for now,
Ted Streuli
Executive Director, Oklahoma Watch
tstreuli@oklahomawatch.org
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