Temporarily banning data centers draws more interest from state, local officials
News ClipThe Southern Maryland Chronicle·Stone Ridge, Scott County, VA·3/12/2026
Several US states and local governments are considering or implementing temporary bans on new data center development due to concerns over rising electricity prices, environmental impacts, and other factors. While no statewide moratoriums have been enacted yet, some cities and counties have passed temporary bans on new data center construction.
moratoriumzoningelectricitywaterenvironmentalgovernment
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Gov: Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, South Dakota Senate State Affairs Committee, Michigan Gretchen Whitmer, St. Charles (Missouri), Fulton County (Indiana), DeKalb County (Georgia), Hood County (Texas), Texas Senate
As communities’ concerns grow over rising electricity prices and the environmental effects of data centers, some local and state officials want to halt development of the facilities. Lawmakers in at least 11 states — Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin — have introduced legislation this […]