Data Centers
‘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 centers are now the largest financial bet in US history
The $10.3 trillion buildout dwarfs dot-com, electrification, railroad booms.
How one city balances its economy and community needs on data centers
Colorado Springs, Colorado wants to bring in data centers but do so in a way that’s transparent and protects quality of life. Being proactive is crucial, an economic development leader there said.
Despite tough talk from Abbott and Paxton, Texas penalties for data center violations are light
Texas officials are promising tougher enforcement on data centers, but the existing law may offer limited leverage over the industry that has largely failed to report its water use.
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.
‘Not enough data or expertise’: Oklahoma lawmakers consider future of data centers
House lawmakers listened to presentations at the state Capitol on the impacts data centers have on Oklahoma.
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When data centers come to town, public works must be at the table
COMMENTARY | Data centers are not conventional projects, so questions about water, utilities, infrastructure, traffic, neighborhoods and more should be asked early.
North Dakota ag commissioner challenger highlights data centers; incumbent calls move ‘grandstanding’
Democrat Vern Thompson said he is running for the post to oversee a natural gas pipeline. Incumbent Doug Goehring said he's "running for the wrong office."
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.
Governors take major actions on AI
An executive order by California Gov. Gavin Newsom looks to boost oversight of the tech, while Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s order tightens data center standards.
Do data centers need a ‘national strategy that puts communities first’?
The House passed a bill to mandate that state regulators have a strategy to have large consumers pay for their own power. But plenty of work lies ahead.
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.
Environmentalists push Michigan lawmakers to forge ahead on moratorium and regulations for data centers
Groups looked to remind elected officials of data centers' effects as members of the state senate returned to work.
Big Tech wants to build a data center in your city. Is it worth it?
A closer look at costs and benefits.
Data centers are Americans’ least favored development, poll finds
The survey from Public First and ITIF found that 46% oppose data centers in their communities, compared to 26% who support, far behind other projects.
Many localities have tried data center moratoriums, tracker finds
The National League of Cities found that 76 cities, counties or towns have at least attempted moratoriums or permanent bans, with most being successful. That number is likely even higher.
