Daily Digest — April 28, 2026
Killeen Planning Commission Unanimously Rejects Proposed Data Center
The Killeen, Texas, Planning and Zoning Commission voted to deny a conditional use permit and rezoning request for a proposed $30 million data center by ONMINE on a roughly 2.6-acre site on South Fort Hood Street. The vote was 4-0 with one abstention, according to KCEN, though KWTX reported a 4-1 tally. City staff had recommended approval.
ONMINE co-founders Ahmed and Ziyad Elgamal described the facility as a "Neuro-Grid Data and Resources Research Center" focused on high-density computational research and AI-driven grid balancing, according to the Killeen Daily Herald. The developers said the facility would:
- Use zero municipal water for cooling via a closed-loop system
- Create up to 14 full-time positions
- Function as a "virtual power plant" and "grid shock absorber" for ERCOT
- Fund fiber infrastructure improvements
More than a half-dozen residents spoke against the proposal, citing noise concerns, potential environmental impacts, and limited job creation, as reported by KXXV and KCENTV. Gary Hammonds, who operates the adjacent Tabernacle Baptist Church, highlighted the anticipated low hum as a disturbance. Commissioner Scedric Ross questioned the tangible community benefits. The matter now moves to the Killeen City Council, with a meeting expected on or around June 2.
City of Killeen officials, residents say no to data center
KCENNews
Killeen planning commission denies permit for proposed data center
KWTX
Commission rejects proposed Killeen data center after local pushback
KXXV
P&Z votes down data center after massive backlash from residents
The Killeen Daily Herald
Killeen Planning and Zoning Commission votes down permit for data center project
KCENTV.com
Maine Governor Vetoes Statewide Data Center Moratorium Bill
Maine Governor Janet Mills vetoed legislation that would have imposed a statewide moratorium on large data centers until November 2027, according to Maine Public. The bill's sponsor and environmental groups expressed disappointment with the decision. Further details on the veto rationale were not immediately available.
Cheyenne Residents Oppose Data Center Rezoning; Moratorium Petition Circulates
The Cheyenne, Wyoming, City Council is considering rezoning a 1,260-acre parcel for a business park that would include a data center developed by Viawest Group, according to Cowboy State Daily. The proposal has drawn significant opposition from residents of the Rolling Hills neighborhood and others concerned about:
- Water and electricity demand
- Increased traffic
- Visual impact on the natural landscape
A petition calling for a temporary moratorium on future data center development is circulating, as also noted in a Cowboy State Daily newscast. Councilman Larry Wolfe acknowledged that data center development has "completely outstripped the ability of the county and the city to plan." Betsey Hale, CEO of economic development entity Cheyenne LEADS, pushed back against a moratorium, calling it "fear mongering" and noting data centers currently consume only 1.9% of Cheyenne's total water supply.
Box Elder County Delays Vote on 40,000-Acre "Stratos" Hyperscale Data Center
Box Elder County, Utah, commissioners tabled a decision on the proposed "Stratos Project," a hyperscale data center complex backed by Kevin O'Leary's O'Leary Digital and Alpine-based West GenCo in partnership with Utah's Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA). The vote was postponed to May 4, according to multiple outlets including TownLift, the Salt Lake Tribune, FOX 13 Utah, ABC4, and KSL.
Key project details as reported:
- 40,000 acres of unincorporated county land
- On-site natural gas power generation with up to 7.5–9 GW capacity
- Closed-loop cooling and air-cooling systems, minimizing water demand
- 2,000 permanent jobs projected
- 10-year buildout timeline
Approximately 80 residents attended to oppose the project, raising concerns about water consumption and potential effects on the Great Salt Lake, air pollution, and strain on local resources. Commission Chair Tyler Vincent said commissioners felt "blindsided" by the project's scope and MIDA's unique state-granted authority, which allows limited local control over large-scale developments. Critics also cited a perceived lack of transparency and environmental studies.
Project proponents, including MIDA project manager Hilary Venable and West GenCo's Austin Pritchett, said only a fraction of secured water rights would be used and emphasized the project's contribution to military readiness and county tax revenue. The follow-up meeting is set for May 4 at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds.
Box Elder County delays vote on MIDA data center project, citing transparency concerns
TownLift, Park City News
Kevin O'Leary's hyperscale data center project in Utah hits delay
The Salt Lake Tribune
Data center vote put off after Box Elder County residents express concerns
FOX 13 News Utah
Box Elder County Commission tables decision on giant AI data center
ABC4 Utah
Amid questions and concerns, Box Elder County leaders delay action on data center proposal
KSL News
Trenton, Ohio, Residents Launch Petition for Statewide Data Center Ban
Residents in Trenton, Ohio, are gathering signatures for a citizen-led statewide petition that would allow voters to approve bans on data centers exceeding 25 megawatts, according to WCPO Cincinnati. The effort comes despite the Trenton planning commission's recent zoning approval for a 250-megawatt Prologis data center.
Opponents cite noise concerns and what they describe as a lack of community input during the approval process. Prologis has stated the project would create 140 jobs and generate $120,000 annually in city utility fees. Residents are working to collect signatures in Butler County and across the state to advance the ballot initiative.
