Here are today’s most significant data center locality stories — regulatory battles, community opposition, and legal challenges shaping where data centers can be built across the United States.
1. Data center bills dominated this year’s General Assembly. Here’s what passed.
Virginia · Government Policy
Virginia’s General Assembly passed multiple data center-related bills this year, shaping the regulatory and economic landscape for the industry. These legislative actions are critical as Virginia remains a leading data center hub, influencing investment and operational conditions statewide. Read here.
2. NJ Senate panel backs bill forcing data centers to use own clean power
New Jersey · Government Policy
A New Jersey Senate panel approved a bill requiring data centers to source their own clean power, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of these facilities. This legislation matters as it sets a precedent for sustainability mandates in a state experiencing rapid data center growth. Read here.
3. Joliet considers approval of state’s largest data center development
Illinois · Zoning Permit
The Joliet City Council is actively considering approval for the state’s largest data center development, a major project that would significantly expand Illinois’ data infrastructure. This decision is pivotal for the region’s economic development and sets a benchmark for large-scale data center projects in the Midwest. Read here.
4. Rural Ohioans seek to ban data centers through constitutional amendment: Capitol Letter
Ohio · Government Policy
Residents in rural Ohio are pushing for a constitutional amendment to ban data centers, reflecting growing local resistance to the industry’s expansion. This grassroots political action highlights increasing tensions between data center growth and community concerns over environmental and infrastructural impacts. Read here.
5. Spartanburg County Council meets for hours as residents press on data centers, transparency
South Carolina · Community Pushback
Spartanburg County Council held extended meetings as residents demanded greater transparency and accountability regarding local data center developments. This community pushback underscores the growing public scrutiny and potential regulatory challenges data centers face in expanding markets. Read here.
This roundup is generated daily from our Data Center Locality Report. Subscribe for the full intelligence briefing.
