Today’s AI Data Center News

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. Virginia Senate Votes to End Data Center Sales Tax Exemption – News and Statistics
Virginia · Government Policy
The Virginia Senate has voted to end the sales tax exemption for data centers, signaling a major shift in state incentives. This matters as it could significantly impact the economic attractiveness of Virginia, a leading data center hub, potentially influencing future investment decisions. Read here.

2. Lowell imposes moratorium on data centers, targeting state’s largest facility
Massachusetts · Government Policy
The city of Lowell has imposed a moratorium on new data center developments, specifically targeting the state’s largest facility. This action highlights growing local resistance and regulatory challenges that could slow data center expansion in a key Northeastern market. Read here.

3. Alliance considers zoning restrictions on data centers
Ohio · Zoning Permit
An alliance in Ohio is actively considering implementing zoning restrictions on data center developments to better control growth and community impact. This could set a precedent for other regions facing rapid data center expansion and community pushback, affecting project approvals and timelines. Read here.

4. Many Perry Township residents voice opposition to planned data center
Ohio · Community Pushback
Residents of Perry Township, Ohio, have voiced strong opposition to a planned data center, raising concerns at public meetings. This grassroots pushback illustrates the increasing local resistance data center projects face, potentially complicating future developments in the region. Read here.

5. MDEQ approves air permit for xAI data center in Southaven amid community opposition
Mississippi · Zoning Permit
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has approved an air permit for the xAI data center in Southaven despite significant community opposition. This approval underscores the regulatory challenges and community tensions that can accompany large data center projects in emerging markets. Read here.

6. Columbus residents want data center put to a vote. Town hall reaches 120 attendees
Georgia · Community Pushback
Residents in Columbus, Georgia, have organized a town hall with 120 attendees demanding a public vote on a proposed data center project. This reflects growing civic engagement and potential delays or obstacles for data center developments due to community activism. Read here.

7. Pennsylvania Lawmakers Advance Bills on Data Center Construction Guidelines
Pennsylvania · Government Policy
Pennsylvania lawmakers have advanced bills aimed at establishing construction guidelines specifically for data centers. This legislative action could standardize development practices statewide, affecting project planning and regulatory compliance for data center operators. Read here.

This roundup is generated daily from our Data Center Locality Report. Subscribe for the full intelligence briefing.