Oklahoma AG Orders City to Waive $17K Records Fee for Data Center Arrest Information

Records Request Dispute

The city of Claremore, Oklahoma, attempted to charge a farmer, Darren Blanchard, over $17,000 for a public records request. The request sought information regarding a proposed 225-acre data center, known as Project Mustang, and Blanchard's arrest at a city council meeting in February.

Attorney General Intervention

In response to a complaint filed by Blanchard's lawyers, the Oklahoma Attorney General intervened. The AG instructed Claremore to drop the requested fees and promptly provide access to the documents, marking a win for Blanchard and public records access advocates.

Background of the Arrest

Darren Blanchard was arrested at a city council meeting after exceeding his three-minute speaking limit by 30 seconds while opposing the data center project. He was charged with trespassing, a municipal crime with a $200 penalty. Blanchard pleaded not guilty and plans to fight the charges on free speech grounds.

Justification for Fees

Claremore's lawyers argued that the fees were justified due to the extensive legal review required for 2,800 records. They expressed concerns about the wide distribution of documents, including on social media, and accused Blanchard's lawyer of not narrowing the request to cause financial burden and negative publicity for the city.

Impact on Transparency

The Attorney General's decision underscores the importance of accessible public records. High fees can act as a barrier to transparency, preventing citizens from obtaining information about local government actions and decisions, particularly concerning significant projects like data centers.