Infrastructure

Federal government taps Utah to test new electric flight technologies

Utah is among eight states the federal government selected to test the future of electric flight technologies, which may include air taxis.

Questions about self-driving cars amplify after one blocked an ambulance responding to Austin shooting

While the encounter didn’t significantly hinder response to the shooting, it has raised concerns about the vehicles as they expand to more Texas cities and before new state regulations kick in.

Oklahoma lawmakers move to protect ratepayers from effects of data centers

There are at least 30 data centers in Oklahoma that are currently operating, planned or under construction.

It’s lights out for Washington legislature’s effort to regulate data centers

The bill died Monday amid a barrage of industry opposition. Supporters said it was a crucial step toward protecting the grid and utility ratepayers from the energy-hungry facilities.

Data center tax breaks are on the chopping block in some states

Rising energy costs and environmental concerns drive states to reconsider incentives.

Data center growth goes full steam ahead across the US

Investments in and construction of data centers are increasing across the U.S., particularly in areas where such facilities have previously lagged.

California city taps AI to improve public bus service and increase ridership

An artificial intelligence-enabled traffic system is helping San Jose better serve residents using public transportation.

After North Carolina cyberattacks, IT officials warn General Assembly of poor preparedness

The state’s systems face more than 10 billion attack attempts each month, a top cybersecurity official told lawmakers.

Inside states’ efforts to expand and strengthen longitudinal data systems

Data sharing is key to facilitate agencies’ efforts to improve resident outcomes. But officials must take a thoughtful approach to help agencies trust that their data will be used responsibly, experts say.

In the West Texas oil patch, companies plan gas power plants to run new data centers

The developer of one project, in Pecos County, calls it the largest power project in the U.S. Data centers are sparking a surge of gas power plant construction in Texas.

Sensors in Utah’s roads aim to improve commercial vehicle safety and efficiency

The Utah Department of Transportation has adopted artificial intelligence-enabled tech that spots unsafe tire conditions before they become a safety hazard.

Rural Wisconsin has become a hotspot for data centers. State’s unique tax instrument explains why

Concerns over transparency, tax policy, and data centers’ utility usage drive many rural residents to oppose planned developments.

Bill to provide tax breaks for data centers reintroduced by Colorado lawmakers

The bill would offer a 100% sales and use tax exemption for qualified data centers for at least 20 years.

Wyoming County approves construction of what could become the largest data center in US

The project could eventually use the same amount of electricity as produced by 10 nuclear power plants, boosting Wyoming’s energy industry while challenging efforts to limit emissions and stressing water supplies.

Data will be key to lead pipe removal efforts, nonprofit says

States have about a year to confirm their plans to remove lead service lines with the federal government. Preparing data now could help officials draw such plans more efficiently.

South Dakota looks to space for final stretch of high-speed internet access initiative

The state will soon receive $72 million in federal funds to support satellite internet for more than 2,000 locations in need of broadband.

States continue to explore solutions to federal rule changes for public benefit programs

States must consider new data sources and approaches to ensuring their benefit systems are on track to comply with impending changes to the Medicaid and SNAP program, one expert says.

New Jersey lawmakers OK plan to charge data centers for spiking electric costs

Data centers, which are driving higher electric costs in New Jersey, would face new tariffs under a plan legislators advanced Thursday.

Data center ‘gold rush’ pits local officials’ hunt for new revenue against residents’ concerns

Without state regulations to guide them, Georgia counties are taking vastly different approaches to managing the surge in data center proposals.

In 2026, more data center regulations could be coming in Maryland

It’s likely that large scale data centers, which have a large presence in neighboring Virginia, will make their way to Maryland in greater numbers in the years ahead.