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. Are Republicans rethinking Ohio’s data center boom?
Ohio · Government Policy
Ohio Republican lawmakers are reconsidering their support for the rapid expansion of data centers in the state, signaling potential changes to policies that have fueled the boom. This matters because Ohio has been a major hub for data center growth, and any policy shifts could impact future investments and the industry’s regional dynamics. Read here.
2. Leading Edge | Making the case for data centers in NW Ohio; Dale Warner trial – March 15, 2026
Ohio · Community Pushback / Legal
A trial involving Dale Warner is underway in Northwest Ohio, focusing on opposition to data center developments and making the case for their benefits. This legal proceeding highlights the growing community pushback and legal challenges that data center projects face, which can delay or alter industry expansion plans. Read here.
3. State representatives hold townhall meeting in Spartanburg on data centers
South Carolina · Government Policy / Community Engagement
State representatives in Spartanburg, South Carolina, held a townhall meeting to discuss data center developments and gather community input. This engagement reflects increasing local government involvement and community scrutiny, which can influence regulatory frameworks and project approvals in the data center sector. Read here.
4. Developer pulls data center proposal from project in Oakley
California · Zoning Permit / Project Withdrawal
A developer has officially withdrawn a data center proposal in Oakley, California, after facing local opposition and regulatory challenges. This withdrawal underscores the increasing difficulty of securing approvals for data center projects in certain localities, signaling potential shifts in regional development patterns. Read here.
5. Protesters rally Saturday against Joliet data center
Illinois · Community Pushback / Protest
Protesters gathered in Joliet, Illinois, to oppose a planned data center, voicing concerns over environmental and community impacts. Such organized opposition can delay or block projects, highlighting the growing role of local activism in shaping data center development outcomes. Read here.
This roundup is generated daily from our Data Center Locality Report. Subscribe for the full intelligence briefing.
