In the face of perceived neglect by political and economic authorities, communities are voicing apprehensions regarding the presence of computer hubs and their local implications.
On July 18, 2026, residents near Sand Springs, Oklahoma, like Kyle Schmidt, are expressing frustration over the development of a significant Google data center. Situated about a mile from Schmidt’s home, the project has stirred local discontent.
Schmidt highlights a lack of transparency as a main issue. He explains that residents were uninformed about the construction on this largely forested land. The potential impact on the local water supply is another source of anxiety. For Schmidt, the concern extends to his family’s newly acquired dream home.