Two Maine communities, Westbrook and Brunswick, have each enacted 180-day moratoriums on data center construction. These local actions follow Governor Janet Mills' veto of a bill that would have created a statewide pause on data centers.
A town hall meeting in Big Beaver Borough, Pennsylvania, concerning a proposed 382-acre data center by Switch, attracted a large crowd of residents. The community expressed significant opposition to the project due to environmental and financial concerns, and media was excluded from the event.
At their annual meeting in La Crosse, the Dairyland Power Cooperative discussed the growing concern over data center development and its impact on electricity consumption and rural economies. CEO Brent Ridge highlighted the economic benefits data centers can bring to small communities, while an executive from the North America Electric Reliability Corporation spoke about increasing risks to energy production and rising demand across the continent.
Christian County residents met with developer Eagle Rock to discuss a proposed $8.8 billion data center project requiring 1,000 megawatts of electricity and approximately 20,000 gallons of water daily. Residents voiced concerns about environmental impacts, transparency, and potential utility rate increases, though Eagle Rock partner Ken Lober assured no increase in customer costs. The project, which promises 500 permanent jobs and $85 million in tax revenue, still needs approval from the Christian County Board.
New York legislators are poised to vote on a bill proposing a one-year moratorium on new AI data center construction statewide. The ban aims to address growing concerns over the environmental impact, energy consumption, and potential increases in utility rates. Governor Kathy Hochul has indicated disapproval, preferring such decisions be handled at the local level.
Holmes County, Florida, is moving to enact a one-year moratorium on AI data centers due to environmental concerns raised by residents. Commissioners have also requested an ordinance for a permanent ban, with public hearings scheduled for finalization.
The Amherst County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to direct the planning commission to draft an ordinance by August, which would change data centers from "by-right" use to "special use" permits in manufacturing-zoned land. This action was prompted by residents' concerns about potential environmental impacts and the rapid growth of data centers. The county is seeking more information before allowing data center development.
The Bowling Green City Commission rejected a six-month moratorium on data center development applications. Concurrently, the commission unanimously advanced a new ordinance establishing comprehensive regulations for the data center industry, addressing concerns about utility capacity and infrastructure.
North Tonawanda is seeking to extend its moratorium on cryptocurrency mining and data processing center development for another year. The initial moratorium was established to protect residents and allow time to update zoning codes, following complaints about noise and pollution from the Digi Power X crypto plant. The proposed extension aims to provide the city with more oversight on the plant's operations and any potential expansions.
The Brown County Planning, Development, and Transportation Committee declined to take action on a proposed data center moratorium, citing state law limitations. Residents packed the meeting to express strong opposition, primarily concerned about water resources. County Supervisor Christopher Welch, who proposed the moratorium, suggested exploring other ways to regulate large-scale data centers.
Brown County officials are set to discuss a proposed moratorium on data center development. The temporary ban would allow leaders to gather information and establish guardrails for future large-scale projects, addressing concerns over water use, energy demand, and environmental impacts.
Brown County leaders are set to debate a proposed moratorium on future data center development. This comes amidst growing concerns in Northeast Wisconsin communities regarding water usage and energy demand. The proposal aims to allow officials to gather information and develop necessary guardrails before approving new projects.
Caddo Parish commissioners are seeking environmental studies for data center projects in areas like Blanchard and Greenwood Road, prompted by resident concerns over drainage, flooding, and tree removal. Commissioner Kent proposed a resolution for environmental studies, while Commissioner John Paul Young suggested a resolution for developers to install rainwater collection systems to manage water usage. The commission is scheduled to vote on these resolutions.
Christian County is considering a multi-billion dollar data center project by Eagle Rock Partners near Clarksdale. Developers hosted community meetings to address concerns, while residents are actively opposing the plan and circulating a petition for an 18-month moratorium on data center development. Concerns primarily revolve around water usage, power consumption, and the impact on local farmland.
Residents in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, are actively opposing a proposed data center on a 186-acre farmland site. Karras Critical and He Holdings LLC are seeking rezoning approval for the project, prompting residents to raise environmental, health, and traffic concerns. A public hearing is scheduled, which residents plan to attend.
Residents of Big Beaver Borough in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, packed a town hall meeting hosted by Switch to express opposition to a proposed data center project. Concerns were raised regarding transparency, infrastructure strain on the power grid, and water quality. The company faced criticism for not allowing the press inside and for a perceived lack of clear answers.
Holmes County, Florida residents are actively opposing a proposed AI data center, citing concerns over water supply, infrastructure strain, and potential hazardous waste. In response to community outcry and a widely supported petition, the Holmes County Commission approved a temporary moratorium on large-scale data center permits while they develop a permanent ordinance.
El Dorado city leaders are facing questions about transparency after KORA-obtained emails revealed months of undisclosed discussions with Beltline Energy about bringing a data center to the city. A public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment to regulate data centers saw significant opposition, with residents expressing concerns over the lack of prior public knowledge.
Newberry County Council in South Carolina is scheduled to vote on the final reading of an ordinance for a proposed artificial intelligence data center near Mid-Carolina Commerce Park. Residents have raised concerns about the data center's potential impact on local water and electricity resources, prompting a petition and statements from a council member against the project. The council will also discuss a potential moratorium on future data center applications.
Newberry County Council is set to vote on a final ordinance that could enable an AI data center while also considering a moratorium on new data center applications. Residents are concerned about the impact on local water and electricity resources, prompting the council chairman to express opposition until more information is available.