Moratoriums, temporary bans, and building permit freezes on data center construction across the United States. Data Center Signal is tracking 8,038 clips related to moratorium across all 50 states.
Plain City's village council voted to advance legislation for a 12-month moratorium on new data center applications. The proposed moratorium will return to the council for a final vote at their next regular meeting in August. This follows previous discussions, including one on June 8 where Mayor Jody Carney mentioned the city's intent.
Opponents of a hyperscale data center under construction in southwest Louisville rallied at Metro Hall, demanding a halt to the project and a ban on future developments. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg has proposed new regulations that would ban all new hyperscale data centers and strengthen environmental protections.
New York has enacted the first state-level moratorium on data centers in the U.S., prompting debate over economic development versus environmental concerns. The author argues that fears surrounding data centers' impact on power and water are largely exaggerated and that such facilities offer significant economic benefits like jobs and tax revenue.
The Marshalltown Planning & Zoning Commission has begun discussions to establish a timeline for developing new data center rules and regulations, following the city council's vote to implement a four-month moratorium. The process will involve public input, work sessions, and community roundtables, with a formal resolution for the moratorium expected on July 27. Key areas of concern for the new regulations include water and electricity usage, as well as noise guidelines, which are not specifically addressed in the current zoning code for data centers.
A court hearing in Jefferson County, Alabama, is set to resume next month in a lawsuit challenging the city of Birmingham's permitting of a hyperscale data center by Nebius and Hoar Construction. Residents Rob and Gail Sansome allege the city illegally permitted the project, violating zoning ordinances and causing harm from construction noise and vibrations. The lawsuit also questions the validity of permits issued before a temporary moratorium and new regulations were enacted, with the city contending the project is exempt.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a one-year moratorium on new hyperscale data center permits, impacting approximately 20 projects statewide, including TeraWulf's 400 MW data center planned for Lansing. This moratorium was enacted to allow the state to develop new regulations for data center development. Local opposition groups are also suing TeraWulf and the Lansing Board of Zoning Appeals over the project's facility classification.
Jefferson County commissioners announced they lack the legal authority to implement a countywide moratorium on data centers. They advised local municipalities to develop their own land-use regulations instead. The county is also developing a Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, expected later this year.
Residents in Spartanburg, SC, protested a Valara Holdings data center project over concerns about air pollution from proposed natural gas turbines and its location in a densely populated area. The protest was part of a "National Day of Action" against data centers, while the Spartanburg County Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed one-year moratorium on new data center applications.
New York has enacted a one-year moratorium on new hyperscale data centers, becoming the first state to do so. This decision stems from increasing concerns regarding energy consumption, water usage, and potential community impacts. The move reflects a broader trend of growing community opposition to large-scale data center projects across the country.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a one-year statewide moratorium on new large-scale data centers via executive order, marking the nation's first statewide ban. This action is expected to be popular given widespread public opposition to data center construction, particularly for AI facilities.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an Executive Order imposing a one-year statewide moratorium on large-scale data center development. Former President Donald Trump criticized the decision, calling taxes and jobs tied to data centers "LIQUID GOLD!". He stated that New York "made a terrible decision" with the ban.
The Hays County Commissioners Court approved a 180-day moratorium on industrial high water use projects, including data centers, due to drought concerns and potential groundwater impacts. This pause also establishes a new review board to evaluate groundwater impacts and signifies the county's stance against accepting tax incentives from data center developers.
Country music star Martina McBride has publicly called for a pause on the development of a proposed Google data center located in Barber County, Kansas. This action signifies growing opposition and a proposal for a moratorium on the project.
A new study examines the economic impacts of data centers, finding varied benefits based on location and operator type, and potential increases in electricity prices. The article highlights growing national opposition to data center development, including legislative efforts like Maine's vetoed statewide moratorium bill and enacted tax incentive eliminations.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul enacted a year-long moratorium on large-scale data centers to study their impact on the state's energy grid. Her Republican gubernatorial challenger, Bruce Blakeman, criticized the decision, arguing it would cost jobs and that developers should provide their own power. Blakeman also proposed overturning the state's fracking ban and reopening nuclear power plants.
Hagar Township's Board of Trustees has approved a one-year moratorium on data centers. The decision allows the township Planning Commission to research the implications of data centers, particularly concerning water and noise, before considering a potential ordinance. This action follows similar moratoriums enacted by Lincoln and Niles Townships.
Residents in Salix, Iowa, are participating in a national protest against data centers, driven by concerns about a potential facility in their community. They are advocating for the Salix City Council to enact a one-year moratorium on large-scale data center projects. A rally is planned for July 18th in front of Salix City Hall.
Bulloch County officials are proposing to remove all references allowing data centers and cryptocurrency mining from the county's zoning ordinances, following a directive from the Board of Commissioners. This move is intended to prohibit data centers in the county's unincorporated areas. The Planning and Zoning Commission will review the proposed amendment before it goes to the Board of Commissioners for a final vote.
Woodland Park, Colorado, has enacted an 18-month moratorium on new data center applications. This pause will allow the city to develop appropriate zoning regulations and use standards for data centers, a type of development currently unaddressed in its code. The city aims to learn from other municipalities and adapt to the evolving nature of data center technology.
The City of Patterson has approved a 45-day moratorium on data center construction following community concerns about water usage, electricity, and noise pollution. Residents and officials emphasized the need to study the potential impacts of a data center before allowing development in the water-stressed region. Property owners interested in the development expressed worry about the stigma the moratorium could bring.