Daily Digest — April 16, 2026
EIA Developing Mandatory Nationwide Survey of Data Center Energy Use
The US Energy Information Administration is developing a mandatory nationwide survey to assess data center energy consumption, according to a letter obtained by WIRED. The initiative was prompted by an inquiry from Senators Elizabeth Warren and Josh Hawley amid growing public concern over the industry's resource demands.
As a preliminary step, the EIA launched a pilot survey in late March targeting data centers in Texas, Washington state, and the northern Virginia/DC metro area. A second phase covering at least three more states is planned, with both pilots expected to conclude by late September.
The survey will collect data on:
- Annual electricity consumption
- Behind-the-meter power generation, including gas-powered facilities
- Data center classification and facility size
- Cooling systems and IT efficiency metrics
Energy Company Seeks Eminent Domain in Pennsylvania for Virginia Data Center Power Lines
An energy company is seeking to use eminent domain in Southwestern Pennsylvania to acquire land for new power lines intended to support data centers in Virginia, according to The Allegheny Front. The effort underscores the cross-state infrastructure buildout required to meet growing data center electricity demand in the mid-Atlantic region.
Report Flags Data Center Risks to Potomac River
A recent report has highlighted potential risks that data centers pose to rivers, with particular attention to the Potomac River, according to Tri-State Alert. The findings suggest data center operations may be contributing to environmental degradation of these waterways. Specific details on the report's author and the data center projects involved were not provided.
Niles, Ohio Residents Push Back on BitDeer Data Center; Moratorium Proposed
Hundreds of Niles, Ohio residents gathered at a City Council meeting to oppose a proposed data center on Belmont Avenue by Singapore-based BitDeer, as reported by WFMJ. The company had requested the city partially annex a portion of Weathersfield Township, with a plan to share tax revenue from the facility.
Residents raised concerns about impacts on water supply, power grid capacity, noise, and environmental effects. BitDeer representatives stated the facility would use a sewer system for water disposal and would not tap into the city's power grid. City Council President Doug Sollitto said financial incentives are not always the answer when community health and well-being are at stake.
2nd Ward Councilman Aaron Johnstone proposed a six-month moratorium on any votes related to the data center. Residents are also advocating for a public referendum on the project. Additional coverage from WKBN27 and WKBN.com confirmed the ongoing debate.
Wisconsin Data Center Debates Intensify Across Multiple Fronts
Data center development continues to generate political and public friction across Wisconsin, according to a roundup by Wisconsin Watch. Key developments include:
- Port Washington voters approved a referendum making large-scale developments harder by requiring public approval for TIF districts over $10 million, now the subject of a business-backed lawsuit
- In Menomonie, a vocal data center opponent unseated the incumbent mayor
- Beaver Dam approved a second, smaller $40 million data center
- Rock County voted down a resolution that would have prohibited nondisclosure agreements with data center developers
- A Wisconsin Conservation Voters poll found 70% of registered voters believe data center costs outweigh benefits
- Unnamed Wisconsin companies formed a coalition requesting a federal agency pause competitive bidding for electrical transmission projects
Separately, State Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin authored the "Data Center Accountability Act" to establish a statewide regulatory framework for hyperscale data centers, as reported by The Cap Times. The bill aimed to protect ratepayers from covering data center energy infrastructure costs, enhance transparency on water and power usage, ensure living wages, and accelerate clean energy adoption. Despite strong public testimony in support, the bill failed to receive a vote before the Legislature adjourned.
Meanwhile, seven Democratic gubernatorial candidates called for stricter state regulation of data centers at a virtual forum hosted by Citizen Action of Wisconsin, according to Urban Milwaukee and WisPolitics. Candidates collectively advocated for a statewide pause on new data center projects until comprehensive guardrails are in place, with specific proposals ranging from requiring union labor and renewable energy to implementing enhanced electricity rates for data centers.
Gaines Township Tables Microsoft Data Center Rezoning After Hundreds Protest
The Gaines Township Planning Commission in Michigan unanimously voted to table zoning ordinances for a proposed Microsoft data center after hundreds of residents turned out in opposition, according to WZZM13. The project would rezone over 100 acres of farmland.
Residents cited concerns about noise pollution, decreased property values, increased electricity bills, loss of agricultural land, and potential health impacts from generator noise levels, as reported by FOX 17. Some residents urged the township to enact a six-month moratorium on data center development.
Microsoft stated its data centers would not increase electricity prices, would replenish more water than used, and would boost the local tax base. Commissioners requested a "more thorough agreement" with Microsoft before proceeding. If eventually recommended, the rezoning would go to the full Board of Trustees for another public hearing.
