Seminole Nation bans data center development on tribal lands

The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma has enacted a moratorium on generative artificial intelligence technology and hyperscale data center development on its lands, according to Futurism. The tribal council voted 24-0 after a tech startup approached the Nation about building a data center and requested a non-disclosure agreement and letter of intent. Mekusukey Band Representative Glen Chebon Kernell introduced the resolution and raised concerns during a March 3 assembly.

According to Futurism, tribal members and community residents raised concerns about the environmental impact of data centers. The tribal council worked with Honor the Earth, an Indigenous-led climate organization, to inform the public. Kernell said there was little opposition once the proposal became public, and leaders described the decision as part of broader concerns about environmental impact and sovereignty.