Daily Digest — April 24, 2026
Michigan Utility Approves 12-Month Moratorium on Water Service to Data Centers
The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on providing water and sewer services to hyperscale and mid-size data centers, AI computing facilities, and high-performance computational centers, according to The Michigan Daily and WEMU. The decision, made at the board's April 22 meeting, followed a request from Ypsilanti Township.
The moratorium directly impacts two major proposed projects within YCUA's service area:
- A $1.2 billion data center by the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory in Ypsilanti Township, projected to use up to 500,000 gallons of water daily
- A $1 billion Thor Equities data center in Augusta Township, which could consume up to 1 million gallons daily
As the Alton Telegraph reported, YCUA Executive Director Luke Blackburn noted the utility's wastewater master plan dates to 2018 and requires updating. Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo, also a YCUA commissioner, said two large data centers could exhaust their water and sewer reserves, potentially hindering future residential and business development.
The moratorium is notable because the University of Michigan holds a constitutional exemption from local zoning laws as a public university. However, according to The Michigan Daily, YCUA's restriction on water services effectively circumvents that legal protection. Residents voiced support for the moratorium at the meeting, citing environmental justice concerns and opposition to potential nuclear weapons research by Los Alamos National Laboratory. Commissioner Jon Ichesco expressed some hesitation about the timeline, citing concerns about feasibility and potential litigation costs, as reported by WEMU. MLive separately raised questions about YCUA's overall capacity to serve data center developments.
Michigan utility OKs 12-month ban on supplying water for data centers
Alton Telegraph
YCUA Board approves 12-month moratorium on providing water to data centers
The Michigan Daily
YCUA Board of Commissioners approves data center moratorium
WEMU
Does Ypsilanti water authority even have the capacity to serve data centers, Los Alamos project?
MLive.com
Le Monde: AI and Data Centers Face Growing Bipartisan Backlash in the US
A Le Monde analysis surveyed the expanding opposition to AI-driven data center development across the United States, noting bipartisan resistance at both the state and federal levels.
Key developments highlighted in the report:
- Maine Governor Janet Mills is reviewing a bill that would establish the first statewide moratorium on new data center construction
- At least 11 other states are considering legislation to pause data center development, cap electricity and water usage, or remove tax incentives
- Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have introduced legislation proposing a nationwide data center moratorium
- A recent NBC News poll found 57% of Americans believe AI's risks outweigh its benefits
The piece also noted that Republican lawmakers, including Senator Josh Hawley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have voiced concerns about AI's economic and employment effects, underscoring the bipartisan nature of the pushback.
All 20 Data Center Bills Fail in Georgia Legislature
None of the 20 data center-related bills introduced during the recent Georgia legislative session passed, according to the Savannah Business Journal. The bills included proposals to prevent electricity infrastructure costs from being passed to consumers, revoke data center tax breaks, and enact a statewide moratorium.
Georgia has approximately 100 data centers in Metro Atlanta with 40 more planned for the Southside, per Science For Georgia. Coweta County commissioners recently approved rezoning for "Project Sail," an 800-acre, $17 billion data center near Newnan. Community advocates and organizations including Black Voters Matter expressed frustration over the legislative inaction, citing concerns about electricity costs, water consumption during worsening drought conditions, and Georgia Power's reliance on fossil fuels to meet data center demand.
Minnesota NDA Ban for Data Center Projects Stalls in House Committee
A bill to prohibit data center companies from requiring Non-Disclosure Agreements with local Minnesota municipalities stalled in a tie vote in the House Judiciary Committee, according to The Minnesota Daily.
State Representative Emma Greenman (DFL-Minneapolis), the bill's author, said the legislation aims to enhance transparency between local officials and communities. Proponents pointed to controversies including a hyperscale data center proposal in Hermantown — later revealed to be Google's "Project Loon" — where St. Louis County commissioners had signed NDAs, and a similar situation in Pine Island. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Representative Matt Bliss (R-Becker) argued the blanket ban is too broad and could disadvantage small businesses and deter investment. Greenman indicated there is still an opportunity for the bill to advance this session.
Jasper County, Missouri Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Data Center
Local lawmakers hosted a community information session at Sarcoxie High School in Jasper County, Missouri, to address concerns about a data center project proposed by Geronimo P (also referred to as Geronimo Power), as reported by KOAM News Now. State Representative Anne Kelly organized the event in response to constituent inquiries.
Commissioner Jimmy Morris told attendees that the county commission's ability to approve or deny such projects is limited, partly because Jasper County lacks specific zoning laws that would prevent the development, according to KOAM. State Senator Jill Carter also attended, emphasizing that the conversations would help shape future legislative efforts. Neither the lawmakers nor the school took an official position on the project, per FourStatesHomepage.com.
Ferguson, Missouri Delays Vote on $1.8B Data Center Tax Incentives Amid Public Opposition
The Ferguson City Council postponed a vote on tax incentives for a proposed $1.8 billion data center project at the former Emerson Electric headquarters, according to KSDK and STLPR. The development, spearheaded by attorney Jim Onder and involving SSL Investments, seeks to transform the 217-acre campus into a multiuse innovation hub.
The project could involve up to $22 billion in industrial revenue bonds and 15 years of real property tax abatements. Almost all public commenters at the Thursday night meeting objected to the proposal or called for a delay, citing concerns about:
- Health risks and environmental pollution
- Heavy water and electricity demand
- Loss of school district funding from the tax abatement
- The rapid pace of the approval process
Newly elected Mayor Adrian Shropshire advocated for the delay, citing insufficient information and a lack of prior public meetings. The council initially voted for a 30-day postponement but then revised it to one week, prompting a walkout by attendees who felt the decision was being rushed. The opposition group Fighting for Ferguson has scheduled a town hall to further discuss the project, as reported by KSDK.
Ferguson postpones discussion on tax breaks for development and data center project
STLPR
Mayor seeks transparency as Ferguson stalls $1.8B data center incentive vote
KSDK News
Ferguson delays vote on tax incentives for $1.8B data center project
KSDK
Crowd walks out of Ferguson City Council meeting over data center vote delay
KSDK News