Rhode Island

Data center activity in Rhode Island

News ClipUprise RI·RI

Rhode Island Data Center Tax Plan Faces Cost Warning

Pennsylvania's data center sales-tax exemption is projected to cost the state significantly more than initially estimated, reaching $188.4 million for FY 2026-27. This growing cost provides a cautionary example for Rhode Island lawmakers, who recently considered their own data center tax incentives and proposals to manage electric and water costs. Additionally, an advocacy group has called for a two-year moratorium on new large data center construction in Rhode Island.

government electricity water moratorium

9/5/2026

News ClipUprise RI·Hopkinton, Washington County, RI

Recap: Hopkinton Council Adopts 60-Day Data Center Moratorium, Weighs Extension Past Election Day

The Hopkinton Town Council has adopted an emergency 60-day moratorium on data center applications and construction. This temporary ban allows the town to draft a permanent zoning amendment to regulate data centers, citing concerns about noise, light, air pollution, water consumption, and electrical grid demand. Council members are already discussing extending the emergency ordinance if the permanent amendment is not ready before its early November expiration.

moratorium zoning environmental government electricity water

9/4/2026

News ClipUprise RI·Smithfield, Providence County, RI

PIRG Wants a Two-Year Pause on Big Data Centers

PIRG is advocating for a two-year moratorium on data centers consuming 50 megawatts or more in Rhode Island, citing concerns about electricity and water use. This push coincides with a local dispute in Smithfield where a proposed corporate complex that could include data centers is facing a procedural challenge regarding its application's completeness and conflicts with a new town ordinance prohibiting data centers. State legislative efforts to address data center costs and water reporting did not pass this year.

moratorium electricity water zoning government opposition

9/2/2026

News Clipupriseri.com·RI

Koch Data-Center Push Meets Rhode Island Debate

Koch Inc.'s data center expansion through its subsidiary Edged is facing scrutiny over its subsidy history and energy policy advocacy. Rhode Island lawmakers considered various data center incentives and safeguards this year, addressing concerns about power, water, and environmental costs. However, these legislative proposals were ultimately not enacted.

government electricity water environmental

9/1/2026

News ClipUprise RI·Cumberland, Providence County, RI

Speakers Back Proposed Cumberland Data Center Zoning Limits as Ordinance Heads to Subcommittee

The Cumberland Town Council has referred a proposed zoning ordinance to its ordinance subcommittee, which aims to restrict data center development. Public speakers, primarily from Rhode Islanders for Personal Privacy, urged the council to adopt the measure, citing concerns over energy costs, water usage, air quality, and noise. A public hearing will be held before the council takes a final vote on the ordinance.

zoning opposition environmental government electricity water

8/24/2026

News ClipWesterly Sun·Richmond, RI

Richmond council weighs Flock cameras, data centers

The Richmond Town Council is discussing whether to allow data centers in town, as they are currently effectively prohibited by existing use codes. Concerns include the significant water and electricity demands of such facilities, as well as their impact on the town's rural character. The Planning Board is considering developing specific regulations for data centers.

zoning government water electricity opposition

8/22/2026

News ClipUprise RI·Cumberland, Providence County, RI

Cumberland Council Refers Data Center Zoning Amendment to Subcommittee

The Cumberland Town Council held a meeting where they addressed several local issues, including approving a new stormwater management zoning ordinance and hearing resident concerns about a Flock Safety camera contract. A proposed zoning amendment specifically for data centers, which addresses energy, water, noise, and air quality concerns, was referred to an ordinance subcommittee for further review.

zoning environmental electricity water government

8/21/2026

News ClipUprise RI·Bristol, Bristol County, RI

Recap: Bristol Council Sends Data Center Zoning to Planning Board

The Bristol Town Council has referred the question of data center zoning to its Planning Board, requesting that the board define data centers and recommend appropriate zoning regulations. Currently, Bristol has no specific zoning rules for data centers, and council members expressed a lack of urgency given the town's perceived unsuitability for large facilities. The council also addressed wetland concerns related to a state application near Tilbury and Leah Drive.

zoning environmental government

8/21/2026

News ClipecoRI News·Charlestown, Washington County, RI

Charlestown Bans Data Centers, Battery Storage Facilities

Charlestown, Rhode Island, town officials unanimously approved a municipal-wide ban on data centers and battery energy storage projects. This decision makes Charlestown the second municipality in the state to ban data centers, following similar actions in Smithfield, and was driven by concerns over land use, electricity, and water consumption.

zoning moratorium government electricity water

8/14/2026

News ClipecoRI News·Smithfield, Providence County, RI

Rhode Island Towns Ban Data Centers, Face Legal Challenges

Smithfield, R.I., adopted an ordinance banning data centers after a proposal by Hanton City Investments LLC sparked environmental and utility concerns from residents. This has led to a legal battle between Hanton City and the town over the ordinance's effective date. The article also discusses broader legislative efforts in Rhode Island and the significant environmental impacts observed in Loudoun County, Virginia, a major data center hub.

zoning opposition environmental legal electricity water moratorium

Vantage

8/13/2026

News ClipWesterly Sun·Charlestown, Washington County, RI

Charlestown becomes second R.I. town to ban data centers

The Charlestown Town Council in Rhode Island unanimously voted 5-0 to prohibit Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and data centers as a preventative measure. This makes Charlestown the second town in the state to enact such a ban. The decision stems from concerns over land use, high electricity and water consumption, and potential groundwater contamination in a town dependent on well water and septic systems.

zoning environmental government electricity water

8/13/2026

News ClipUprise RI·Smithfield, Providence County, RI

As NY Pauses Data Centers, RI Towns Act on Expansion

Rhode Island towns like Smithfield and Westerly are implementing local bans and moratoriums on data center construction following a deadlock in state-level legislation. These actions come as New York enacted a statewide moratorium and local communities grapple with the significant electricity and water demands of data centers. Developers in Smithfield, Hanton City Investments, submitted an application just before a zoning amendment passed and are appealing a certificate of incompleteness.

zoning opposition environmental government electricity water moratorium

8/11/2026

News ClipUprise RI·Smithfield, Providence County, RI

Rhode Island Data Center Tax Breaks Face Scrutiny

Rhode Island lawmakers considered two bills related to data center tax breaks and electricity costs, both of which failed to pass. In Smithfield, a proposed data center development by Hanton City Investments and ROK LLC faced a town-wide ban and an application deemed incomplete, leading to an appeal by the developers. The debate highlights the economic trade-offs of data center tax incentives versus limited job creation and high demands for electricity and water.

government electricity water zoning moratorium opposition legal environmental

8/10/2026

News ClipUprise RI·Westerly, Washington County, RI

Westerly Council Adopts One-Year Data Center Moratorium

The Westerly Town Council adopted a one-year data center moratorium to allow time for drafting new zoning rules, citing concerns over electricity and water consumption. This decision aims to establish regulations before new data center development applications are submitted and become vested. The council also approved four Town Charter questions for the upcoming November 3 ballot.

moratorium zoning electricity water government

8/3/2026

News ClipUprise RI·Smithfield, Providence County, RI

Rhode Island Weighs the Cost of Data Centers

Rhode Island lawmakers are considering legislation on data center tax incentives and requirements for grid upgrades, driven by rising electricity demand from AI. A specific data center proposal in Smithfield has brought these discussions into sharper focus, with lawmakers debating the economic benefits against potential strain on the state's energy grid and environment.

government electricity environmental moratorium

7/26/2026

News ClipThe Valley Breeze·Smithfield, Providence County, RI

Smithfield Town Councilwoman Seeks Re-election, Citing Enacted Data Center Ban

Councilwoman Rachel Toppi is seeking re-election to the Smithfield Town Council in Rhode Island. During her previous term, she successfully introduced and enacted a town-wide data center ban, the first municipal ban of its kind in the state. Toppi emphasizes her commitment to proactive legislation and preserving the town's character.

moratorium government zoning

7/16/2026

News ClipWesterly Sun·Hopkinton, Washington County, RI

Hopkinton seeks ordinance to prohibit data centers

The Hopkinton Town Council has voted to direct its planning board and department to develop an ordinance that would prohibit data centers in the town. This precautionary measure is being taken due to environmental concerns and the actions of neighboring communities like Smithfield, which has already banned data centers. There are currently no specific data center projects proposed for Hopkinton.

zoning government environmental electricity water

7/11/2026

News ClipWesterly Sun·Charlestown, Washington County, RI

Charlestown considers ban on data centers, battery storage systems

Charlestown officials are actively developing an ordinance to prohibit data centers and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) within the town. The proposed ordinance would define these as "prohibited uses," and a public hearing is scheduled for August 11th to discuss the measure.

zoning moratorium environmental government

7/10/2026

News ClipThe Providence Journal·Providence, Providence County, RI

Providence Journal letters express concern about AI data centers

A letter to the editor published in The Providence Journal expresses alarm and concern regarding the proliferation and impact of AI data centers. The letter also touches on the dominance of Big Oil.

opposition

6/27/2026

News ClipWesterly Sun·Westerly, Washington County, RI

Council eyes moratorium on AI data centers

The Westerly Town Council is considering a moratorium on AI data centers, driven by concerns over their substantial water and electricity requirements. Councilor Alexandra Healy initiated the discussion, expressing personal opposition due to existing water issues. The council has asked its solicitor to draft language for a temporary moratorium, which would require review by the Planning Board and the council.

moratorium zoning water electricity government opposition

6/27/2026