Data Center Signal

Today in data center regulation

16 moratoriums · 8 zoning decisions · 126 news clips. Filter below to focus your feed.

Showing 20 of 37684 clips

News ClipNOTUS·Hazle, PA

Republicans Debate Stance on Data Centers Following Trump's Comments

A political debate is unfolding within the Republican party regarding data center development, following Donald Trump's strong pro-data center stance which conflicts with the party's efforts to acknowledge public skepticism. This comes as data center developers are increasingly offering community incentives to gain local support for their projects, such as a proposal in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania.

oppositiongovernmentelectricity

9/1/2026

News ClipBroad + Liberty·PA

Pennsylvania should embrace data center development, PA Chamber executive argues

Jon Anzur, senior vice president of public affairs for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, argues that Pennsylvania should embrace responsible data center development due to their essential role in modern life. The article addresses common public concerns regarding data center energy and water consumption, asserting that many of these issues are overstated and can be mitigated through community-driven safeguards and industry initiatives.

oppositionenvironmentalelectricitywatergovernment

9/1/2026

News Cliporlandosentinel.com·FL

Guest Commentary: Data centers should be judged by facts, not political fear

An opinion piece argues that discussions around large-scale data centers in Central Florida are becoming overly politicized, with residents hearing claims about noise, water consumption, electricity costs, and limited employment benefits. The author, a computer science educator, advocates for decisions to be based on verified facts rather than fear or organized interests. He emphasizes the need for transparency and enforceable protections from developers while urging communities to avoid politicizing essential digital infrastructure.

environmentalelectricitygovernmentopposition

9/1/2026

News Clip90.5 WESA·PA

Energy bills driven by data centers threaten Pa. small businesses, report says

A report from the Pennsylvania Sustainable Business Network warns that rising electricity costs, largely driven by data center development, threaten the state's small businesses. These businesses, often operating on thin margins, are struggling to absorb increases and may face closures, hiring freezes, or price hikes. The report advocates for state support, including energy bill assistance, tax credits, expanded energy efficiency grants, and strengthened community benefit agreements for data center projects.

electricitygovernment

9/1/2026

News ClipKOSU·El Reno, Canadian County, OK

El Reno loses more than 3 million gallons of water during leak at data center$

A data center located in El Reno, Oklahoma, experienced a significant water leak. This incident led to the loss of more than 3 million gallons of water for the city.

watergovernment

9/1/2026

News Clip1:46KSDK News·MO

Former President Donald Trump commented on data center development, stating that communities opposing them risk becoming "backwards and poor." Missouri Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe reacted, emphasizing that data center development should be a community decision and highlighting the potential economic benefits.

oppositiongovernment

9/1/2026

News Clip2:30FOX 5 Atlanta·GA

Georgia's Senator Raphael Warnock is calling for a statewide moratorium on data center development, citing concerns over electricity prices, water usage, and pollution, after visiting a proposed OpenAI data center in Effingham County. Governor Brian Kemp opposes the idea, arguing it would limit local control and job creation. This issue has become a key point of contention among state political leaders.

moratoriumelectricitywaterenvironmentalgovernment

OpenAI

9/1/2026

News ClipDaytona Beach News-Journal·Volusia County, FL

Here are five Volusia, Flagler governments acting on data centers

Governments in Volusia and Flagler counties, Florida, are taking various actions concerning data center developments in their respective jurisdictions. The article indicates that five local government bodies are involved in these initiatives.

government

9/1/2026

News ClipDaytona Beach News-Journal·Volusia County, FL

Data centers: Here's where Volusia, Flagler, cities stand

This article provides an overview of the current positions and policies of local governments in Volusia and Flagler counties, Florida, regarding data center development within their jurisdictions. It summarizes where these local entities stand on related issues.

governmentzoning

9/1/2026

News ClipSavannah Morning News·Savannah, Chatham County, GA

Savannah hits pause on data centers after OpenAI's Effingham proposal

The Savannah City Council has unanimously approved a 155-day moratorium on large-scale data centers. This decision was made to allow the city time to develop appropriate zoning classifications and study the infrastructure impacts, particularly on water resources and electricity. The move follows OpenAI's announcement of a large data center project in neighboring Effingham County, which sparked broader concerns about the rapid proliferation of such facilities in Georgia.

moratoriumzoninggovernmentelectricitywateropposition

OpenAI

9/1/2026

News ClipThe Fayetteville Observer·Cumberland County, NC

Residents spoke out on data centers. Here's what Cumberland County heard.

Residents in Cumberland County, North Carolina, vocalized their concerns regarding data center developments at a public hearing. The county government heard these resident inputs regarding the projects.

oppositiongovernment

9/1/2026

News ClipAJC.com·Newton County, GA

Georgia families sue Meta, accuse its data center of tainting their water

Homeowners in Newton County, Georgia have filed a lawsuit against Meta, alleging that the construction of its data center polluted their well water with silt and sediment, damaged appliances, and caused dust storms. They also claim the data center's bright lights are destroying their rural way of life. The suit attributes these issues to extensive tree clearing, blasting, and excavation during the facility's construction.

legalenvironmentalopposition

Utah planned the world’s biggest data center. Then came the bipartisan pushback.$

The Stratos Project, a massive data center proposed for Box Elder County, Utah, is facing intense bipartisan opposition due to its unprecedented scale, high electricity and water consumption, and potential environmental impact on the Great Salt Lake. Locals have filed a referendum and an appeal after county officials approved the project without typical public input or environmental reviews. The legal challenge against the project's approval is ongoing, with political leaders facing backlash.

zoningoppositionenvironmentalelectricitywaterlegalgovernment

9/1/2026

News ClipLexington Herald Leader·KY

Trump calls cities opposed to data centers ‘backwards and poor.’ KY politicians push back

Former President Donald Trump called communities opposing data centers "backwards and poor," drawing strong rebuke from Kentucky politicians across both parties. State representatives and the Governor are pushing back on the narrative, highlighting concerns about environmental impact, energy consumption, and the financial burden on ratepayers versus tax breaks for corporations. Lawmakers have previously blocked proposals to regulate data centers while passing significant tax incentives.

oppositiongovernmentelectricityenvironmental

9/1/2026

News ClipInside Climate News·MD

Maryland Consumer Advocate Challenges PJM Plan to Buy Power for Projected Data Center Growth$

The Maryland Consumer Advocate is challenging a plan by PJM, a regional transmission organization, to procure additional electricity. This plan is specifically aimed at accommodating the projected power demands from future data center growth in the region. The advocate's challenge suggests concerns about the cost or necessity of these proposed power purchases.

electricitygovernment

9/1/2026

News ClipThe Patriot Ledger·MA

This South Shore town is proposing moratorium on building data centers

A town located on the South Shore of Massachusetts is currently considering a proposal to enact a moratorium on the construction of new data centers. This measure would temporarily halt development of such facilities within its jurisdiction. The exact reasons for the proposed moratorium are not detailed in the provided text.

moratoriumgovernment

9/1/2026

News ClipNews Radio 1200 WOAI·San Antonio, Bexar County, TX

Data Center Opposition Based More In Fear Of AI Revolution Than Logistics

This article discusses how public opposition to data center construction is often driven by a deeper fear of the unknown impacts of AI and the downsides of the digital revolution, rather than solely logistical concerns like water or power usage. John Davidson of The Federalist suggests that the pro-data center advocates need to engage with these underlying fears to build support. The article posits that people's negative experiences with past technological advancements, such as increased isolation and depression from the internet, fuel their reluctance to embrace a new, supercharged digital future.

oppositionenvironmentalelectricity

9/1/2026

News Clip0:06USNow·Palm Beach County, FL

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez responded to Donald Trump's comments about data centers by challenging him to build one in Mar-a-Lago. Her suggestion highlights growing concerns over the environmental impact and resource demands of large AI data centers. The exchange has become a viral political moment.

oppositionelectricitywatergovernment

9/1/2026

News ClipWWMT·Dorr, Allegan County, MI

Private data center seminar attended by 100+ West Michigan officials, protesters outside

Over 100 West Michigan municipal leaders attended a private data center seminar in Dorr Township, where they were met by more than 50 protesters. Residents voiced concerns about Microsoft's planned AI data center, citing potential impacts on local water resources, and protested the seminar's closed-door nature. Dorr Township is currently under a data center moratorium until Spring 2027.

oppositionmoratoriumenvironmentalgovernment

Microsoft

9/1/2026

News Cliphsjchronicle.com·CA

California Lawmakers Pass Data Center Water Disclosure Bills, Awaiting Governor's Decision

California lawmakers have passed two bills, AB 2469 and AB 2619, requiring data centers to disclose water usage and potentially cover infrastructure costs. These bills, aimed at increasing transparency and addressing environmental concerns, now await Governor Gavin Newsom's signature after he vetoed a similar measure last year. Public and local government opposition to data center expansion has grown across the state.

watergovernmentoppositionenvironmentalzoningmoratorium

9/1/2026

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El Reno loses more than 3 million gallons of water during leak at data center$

Trump weighs in on data center debate; Gov. Kehoe reacts

Warnock, Kemp clash over Georgia data center boom

Utah planned the world’s biggest data center. Then came the bipartisan pushback.$

Maryland Consumer Advocate Challenges PJM Plan to Buy Power for Projected Data Center Growth$

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggests building data center at Mar-a-Lago in response to Trump

El Reno loses more than 3 million gallons of water during leak at data center$

Trump weighs in on data center debate; Gov. Kehoe reacts

Warnock, Kemp clash over Georgia data center boom

Utah planned the world’s biggest data center. Then came the bipartisan pushback.$

Maryland Consumer Advocate Challenges PJM Plan to Buy Power for Projected Data Center Growth$

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggests building data center at Mar-a-Lago in response to Trump