Infrastructure
Government must find ‘sweet spot’ for data center and AI regulation, expert says
The Nov. 3 midterms will further reveal how Americans feel about data center regulations, which could set the tone for future regulatory efforts, speakers said during a recent event.
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‘No question’ data centers will be considered critical infrastructure, top House intel Dem says
Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., said the AI-focused facilities are going to be even more critical than their traditional data center counterparts because “so much more functionality is going to rely on their health and existence.”
Texas data center boom could erase decades of progress on air quality
A new report warns that the state’s air quality progress could be reversed by the end of the decade, especially if facilities use natural gas power.
Data center backlash set to sway midterm elections
Data centers figure in state and federal races and are the subject of dozens of ballot measures.
A construction ban on data centers would be better for Ohio than the status quo, study says
Forcing AI companies to generate 90% of the power through renewables would be best, according to the study.
Texas agency sues to stop release of data center records that it says could aid terrorists
A lawsuit will test whether Texas officials can withhold data center location details under the state Homeland Security Act.
How state CIOs are impacting the data center conversation
Speakers at last week’s NASCIO conference highlighted how state chief information officers are helping shape and inform how communities navigate the development of data centers.
Transportation works to ease fears about new AI air traffic control tool
Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., who has expressed skepticism about Transportation’s rollout of an AI-powered tool at D.C.-area airports, said he had “a good conversation” with FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford about the new capability that helped to alleviate some of his worries.
New data centers in Maryland to get additional scrutiny under governor’s order
Gov. Wes Moore also plans to push lawmakers to repeal tax exemptions for data centers.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texas water agency to penalize data centers that don’t report their water usage
Last year, less than 30% of data centers responded to a state-mandated water usage survey conducted by the Texas Water Development Board.
Virginia lawmakers move closer to regulating self-driving vehicles
A proposed framework focuses on commercial uses as debates continue over safety, data collection and worker protections.
Big Tech wants to build a data center in your city. Is it worth it?
A closer look at costs and benefits.
Proposed data centers could use more electricity than all Alabama homes combined, analysis shows. Who will pay?
Alabama Power has guaranteed that residents’ power bills won’t increase as a result. Can the state’s largest utility keep its promise?
Oklahoma launches statewide effort to use libraries to close the digital divide
While many local and county governments have launched similar projects to improve digital equity, officials say Oklahoma is the first in the nation to do so statewide.
Lack of broadband service, funding gives rise to telehealth services in rural clinics
Clinics with better internet connections are now offering telehealth services to patients who can’t do it from their homes.
Drones could be Baltimore’s newest tool for housing development
The city is on a mission to create more livable housing options and green spaces in the city.
Mixed opinions, limited information about $6.6 billion data center in Arkansas River Valley
The project only began seeing opposition after developers started clearing trees at the site earlier this year.
Delivery company DoorDash wants to roll out robots on New Mexico roads
The company says ideal state legislation would restrict local regulation of small autonomous delivery vehicles.
Nebraska wants data centers to come clean about water usage
The industry can be a black box of information. But as the state deals with persistent drought, residents and regulators want more answers.
Feds launch groundbreaking electric plane pilot program in Virginia
The program, driven by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration, is designed to accelerate the safe integration of advanced air mobility into the country’s national airspace system.
