Legislation Tracker

The full text of this bill was not available for this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill title and its current legislative status. Based on its title, the bill would establish a prohibition on the development of Artificial Intelligence data centers on federally owned or managed land across the United States. This restriction would primarily affect technology companies, data center operators, and AI developers seeking to expand infrastructure on public lands, as well as federal land management agencies that oversee such properties. The measure matters significantly for data center development because federal lands represent a substantial portion of available real estate in many regions, particularly in western states, and their removal from consideration could redirect industry investment toward private lands or other jurisdictions. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources, which typically addresses issues related to federal land management and natural resource protection. The Committee's jurisdiction suggests the bill may be framed around environmental or conservation concerns related to data center operations, though the specific rationale would require review of the full bill text to determine with certainty.

The full text of this bill was not available at the time of this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill's title and current legislative status. The proposed legislation would establish mandatory reporting requirements for data center operators, compelling them to submit detailed information about their energy consumption and water usage to state governments and federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Agriculture. This disclosure requirement would likely affect all data center operators of significant size across the United States, as they would need to compile and report their resource consumption data on a regular basis. The bill matters for data center development because increased transparency about energy and water use could inform policy decisions, help communities evaluate environmental impacts, and provide data for federal agencies to assess whether regulatory changes are needed in the rapidly growing data center sector. The legislation takes a information-gathering approach rather than imposing direct restrictions on data center construction or operations, focusing on establishing a baseline understanding of the industry's resource demands. As of its latest action, the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where it will be reviewed before any further legislative consideration.

The full text of this bill was not available at the time of this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill's title and legislative history. According to its title, the bill would eliminate bonus depreciation tax benefits for artificial intelligence data centers while establishing mandatory reporting requirements for data center operators to disclose their electricity and water consumption. These provisions would primarily affect companies developing, operating, or investing in AI data centers, as the removal of accelerated depreciation would increase the tax burden on these facilities and the new reporting requirements would create additional compliance obligations. The bill matters for data center development because bonus depreciation has historically been used to offset capital costs for large infrastructure projects, so eliminating it for AI data centers specifically could reduce the financial incentive for such development in the United States. The measure has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, where it currently awaits review and potential discussion. The bill's restrictions on tax incentives suggest legislative interest in moderating the rapid expansion of AI data centers, potentially in response to concerns about their resource consumption or economic impacts.

H.R. 9777, titled the "Protecting Ratepayers Act," would require all data centers with a power demand of 5 megawatts or more to operate entirely off the electrical grid and public water systems, effective 180 days after enactment. The bill applies to both new data centers not yet operational and existing facilities already in operation, affecting any private company or entity that owns, operates, or maintains such facilities or plans to do so within the next five years. Data centers would be required to source all energy from captive power plants, on-site generation, or other sources completely separate from the grid, and all water from on-site or alternative sources completely separate from public water systems, including backup supplies for both. The legislation, introduced by Representative Donalds on July 20, 2026, is currently referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and has not advanced further at this time. The bill's stated purpose is protecting electrical ratepayers, though it would fundamentally reshape how data centers can operate by eliminating their ability to draw from existing utility infrastructure and placing substantial operational and capital constraints on the industry. The requirement to provide entirely independent power and water systems would likely increase development costs significantly and limit viable locations for data center construction to areas where such self-sufficient systems are technically and economically feasible.

The Protecting Communities from Data Center Impacts Act of 2026 would direct the Environmental Protection Agency to commission a comprehensive study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine examining how data centers affect environmental quality and public health. The assessment would specifically evaluate impacts including noise pollution, air pollution, water consumption and supply, carbon emissions, and electronic waste generation from data center operations. In addition to documenting these effects, the National Academies would be required to develop recommendations for mitigating identified harms and submit a final report to relevant congressional committees within 180 days of the bill's enactment. The legislation directly affects data center developers, operators, and communities near existing or planned facilities, as the study findings and mitigation recommendations could inform future regulatory decisions at the federal level. Currently referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as of July 2026, the bill represents a preliminary step toward potential regulation rather than imposing immediate restrictions, though the resulting report could lay groundwork for more stringent data center policies if environmental or health concerns are substantiated. The bill's framing suggests congressional concern about data center expansion's community impacts, which could influence site selection and development timelines in the coming years depending on the study's conclusions.

The Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act would impose a freeze on construction of new data centers in the United States until Congress enacts legislation to safeguard the public from artificial intelligence risks. Introduced in June 2026 by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and nine co-sponsors, the bill directly affects technology companies, data center developers, and AI firms seeking to build or expand computing infrastructure needed to train and deploy AI systems. The legislation is grounded in findings that cite warnings from prominent tech leaders and AI researchers about potential harms from unchecked AI development, including massive job displacement, surveillance risks, and existential dangers, though the bill excerpt does not detail what specific safeguard legislation would be required to lift the moratorium. The bill currently stands in dual committee referral to the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee, where it will be considered for the period and in the manner determined by the House Speaker. The moratorium approach represents a significant constraint on data center development, as these facilities are essential infrastructure for AI model training and deployment, making passage of this legislation a major pivot point for the AI industry's near-term growth trajectory. The bill's prospects depend on whether supporters can build consensus around the argument that development should pause pending regulatory frameworks, or whether opposition from the tech industry and growth-focused lawmakers will prevent advancement from committee.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based solely on its title and current legislative status. The bill aims to balance data center expansion with consumer protection and environmental stewardship by facilitating responsible development of data centers and related infrastructure while preventing existing utility ratepayers from bearing the costs of new large-load facilities. The legislation also seeks to incentivize water reuse investments, which reflects growing concern about data centers' substantial water consumption. The bill will likely affect data center operators, utilities, electricity and water ratepayers, and communities where large-scale facilities are proposed or developed. Its passage could significantly shape the economics and environmental standards for data center projects nationwide by establishing clearer cost-allocation rules and water conservation requirements. The bill currently stands in the early stages of the legislative process, having been referred to both the Ways and Means Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee, where its specific provisions will be reviewed and debated before any committee action.

The AI Data Center Site Selection Transparency Act of 2026 would require developers of artificial intelligence-focused data centers to publicly disclose their project plans at least 180 days before breaking ground, including the facility's location, estimated resource requirements, and environmental impacts. Developers would be required to conduct independent third-party environmental analyses, engage local communities through multiple communication channels including social media, direct mail, local media outreach, and multilingual materials, and restrict their use of non-disclosure agreements with government entities and public resources. The bill defines AI-focused data centers broadly to include any facility designed or modified to support AI model training, deployment, or inference operations, encompassing facilities housing specialized computing hardware or requiring significant electrical or water resources for AI workloads. Enforcement would be handled by the Federal Trade Commission, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices under federal consumer protection law, with developers potentially facing penalties and enforcement action. Currently referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce following introduction in April 2026 by a bipartisan group of nine representatives, the bill represents a procedural and informational approach that does not restrict or incentivize data center development but rather establishes public notification and accountability requirements. For communities, data center developers, and policymakers, the legislation would formalize advance notice and environmental disclosure processes that are currently inconsistent across jurisdictions.

The Data Center Water and Energy Transparency Act of 2026 would require data center operators to submit annual reports on their energy and water consumption to their respective states or, if a state lacks its own collection program, to the Environmental Protection Agency and the federal Secretaries of Energy and Agriculture. The reporting requirement applies to data centers with a peak demand of at least 25 megawatts and would mandate operators to disclose monthly energy and water usage for the preceding year, information about power generation methods, efficiency metrics, and projections for the following five years along with proposed efficiency improvements. States would be authorized to establish their own reporting programs and assess fees on data center operators to support data collection efforts. The bill affects large-scale data center operators and could influence how states regulate and monitor the resource impacts of data center development in their jurisdictions. Currently at an early stage, the bill was introduced on March 25, 2026, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for consideration. The measure is characterized as procedural and transparency-focused rather than directly restrictive or incentivizing of data center development, making it a relatively neutral policy framework that seeks to establish baseline accountability without explicitly promoting or limiting industry growth.

The Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act (S. 4214), introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders in March 2026, would impose a pause on the construction of new data centers until Congress enacts legislation to address AI safety risks. The bill's operative language, while not fully excerpted here, would directly restrict the data center development industry by prohibiting new construction projects from moving forward during the moratorium period. According to the bill's findings section, proponents cite concerns about job displacement, surveillance capabilities, and existential risks from unchecked AI development, drawing on statements from technology leaders including Elon Musk, Dario Amodei, and others warning of AI's potential consequences. The bill would affect major technology companies and investors currently planning or constructing AI infrastructure, including Mark Zuckerberg's data center project in Louisiana mentioned in the findings. As of March 2026, the bill has been read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where it faces an uncertain trajectory given the significant economic and technological interests opposed to restricting data center development. The measure represents a direct regulatory challenge to the rapid expansion of AI computing infrastructure in the United States.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 30 expresses Congressional support for the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, a voluntary commitment signed by seven major technology companies (Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, and xAI) on March 4, 2026, to negotiate separate electricity rate structures with utilities and state governments for their data center operations. The resolution addresses concerns that under traditional utility regulation, the costs of building transmission and distribution infrastructure to support data centers are passed to all ratepayers, effectively requiring households, small businesses, schools, hospitals, and farms to subsidize infrastructure for some of the world's most capitalized corporations. Data center electricity consumption is projected to grow from approximately 4 percent of total U.S. electricity use in 2024 to as much as 12 percent by 2028, with geographically concentrated impacts on local electricity rates. The concurrent resolution calls on federal agencies including the Department of Energy and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to support implementation of the pledge commitments and to expedite permitting and interconnection of new energy resources, while encouraging other technology companies to voluntarily adopt equivalent commitments. As a non-binding concurrent resolution rather than binding legislation, the bill carries no legal force but signals Congressional intent and policy direction. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on March 25, 2026, where it awaits further action.

The No Harm Data Centers Act, introduced in the House on March 20, 2026, and currently referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to set electricity rates for data centers over 50 megawatts in peak demand, ensuring those rates reflect the full costs of grid infrastructure upgrades and new generation capacity needed to support them. The bill aims to prevent data centers from shifting infrastructure costs onto residential and small commercial electricity customers by requiring utilities to charge data centers directly for all expenses related to transmission, distribution, and generation facilities built to accommodate their operations. The legislation defines covered utilities broadly but exempts rural electric cooperatives, publicly owned utilities, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and federal power marketing administrations, meaning it would primarily affect private utilities in competitive markets. For the data center industry, the bill represents a significant regulatory shift that would likely increase operational costs and make site selection more expensive in jurisdictions with high infrastructure demands, potentially slowing data center expansion in certain regions while making others more attractive by comparison. The bill's success depends on passage through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and subsequent floor votes in both chambers, making its trajectory uncertain in a Congress that may have competing priorities around data center development and energy infrastructure investment.

The Data Center Community Impact Act (H.R. 7858) would require the Secretary of Energy, working with the Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and other agencies, to conduct a comprehensive study examining how data centers affect communities of color and low-income communities across the United States. The study would investigate impacts including water and energy consumption, air quality effects from diesel generators, effects on local electrical grids and electricity rates, impacts on jobs and property values, and effects on public health and natural resources. The bill's findings note that data centers currently consume 4.4 percent of U.S. electricity with projections to reach 6.7 to 12 percent by 2028, while water consumption for cooling and electricity generation totaled hundreds of billions of gallons in 2023. The legislation was introduced in March 2026 by a bipartisan group of House members and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, where it currently awaits further action. For the data center industry, the bill represents a potential precursor to future regulation or siting restrictions, though its immediate effect is limited to requiring information gathering and a congressionally mandated report due 18 months after enactment.

The GRID Act, introduced in the Senate in February 2026, would require private data centers with power demands of 20 megawatts or more to generate all their electricity from on-site or captive power sources rather than drawing from the electrical grid. The bill provides a ten-year transition period for existing data centers that currently use grid power, allowing them to continue operations if they obtain a "Zero Rate Effect Certificate" from the Department of Energy, which would be issued only after the Secretary studies and determines how infrastructure costs are allocated to ensure no rate increases for residential ratepayers. New data centers would be required to comply with the off-grid mandate within 180 days of the bill's enactment, effectively preventing new grid-connected data center construction unless operators build independent power generation facilities. The legislation, co-sponsored by Senators Hawley and Blumenthal, reflects concerns that data center expansion is driving up utility costs for residential customers by requiring expensive grid upgrades and infrastructure investment. Currently in early legislative stages after being referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the bill faces significant industry opposition given the substantial capital costs and technical challenges of building independent power supplies, though it could gain support from consumer advocacy groups and utility regulators focused on rate protection.

The Data Center Transparency Act would require federal agencies to collect and publicly report detailed information about how data centers impact the environment and energy systems across the United States. Specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency would submit quarterly reports to Congress and the public detailing water consumption by data centers, water reuse practices, effects on local water systems including impacts on potable water availability and utility rates, and greenhouse gas emissions with particular attention to effects on overburdened communities. The Energy Information Administration would separately collect and report every six months on total energy consumption by data centers disaggregated by state, changes in energy consumption patterns, new data center openings, and any measurable effects on household energy bills and costs. The bill does not restrict data center development or impose new operational requirements on data centers themselves, but rather mandates transparency through systematic data collection and public disclosure. The legislation is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on January 8, 2026, by Representatives Menendez and Casar and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. For the data center industry and communities affected by data center siting, this bill matters because the required public reporting could influence where companies choose to build facilities and could provide evidence for future regulatory decisions or community advocacy regarding environmental and infrastructure impacts.

The Protecting Families from AI Data Center Energy Costs Act would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to convene a technical conference within 90 days to examine how large energy loads, particularly AI data centers, are affecting electricity costs for residential and small commercial ratepayers. The conference would bring together federal regulators, state utility commissioners, ratepayer advocates, energy companies, transmission providers, and representatives from the data center industry to discuss rate structures and strategies that could shield ordinary households from bearing increased costs caused by large industrial energy consumers. Following the conference, FERC would have 180 days to submit a report to Congress with recommendations and best practices on this issue. The bill does not directly impose new restrictions or requirements on data centers themselves, but rather seeks to examine and address the cost-shifting problem that occurs when large loads connect to the electrical grid. Currently in the House, the bill has advanced from subcommittee to the full Energy and Commerce Committee as an amended measure following a voice vote. The legislation reflects congressional concern that the rapid expansion of energy-intensive AI infrastructure may be driving up electricity bills for average American households, a concern that could influence how states and the federal government approach data center siting and utility regulation going forward.

Alabama's Senate Bill 270 establishes specific criteria that the state's Public Service Commission must apply when reviewing electricity contracts between utilities and large data centers requiring at least 150 megawatts of power. Under the new law, which was enacted and takes effect October 1, 2026, the PSC can only approve such contracts if they ensure the data center pays all incremental costs directly attributable to serving its facility and if the contracts provide positive benefits to other utility customers. The bill defines those positive benefits to include potential cost reductions for other customers, improved efficiency of the utility's power system, or economic growth contributions to the local community. This legislation matters for Alabama's data center sector because it creates a structured framework for evaluating whether large data center projects serve the broader public interest, potentially affecting the terms and feasibility of future major data center developments in the state. Rather than encouraging or restricting data center development, the bill functions as a procedural safeguard designed to ensure that costs and benefits are fairly distributed between data centers and other utility ratepayers. The law's neutral approach to data center growth reflects a policy goal of allowing such projects to proceed provided they meet clear conditions protecting existing customers from bearing the costs of new industrial loads.

The full text of this Alaska bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on the bill's title and legislative history. The legislation addresses data centers and the utility service arrangements that support them, suggesting it may clarify how electric utilities interact with data center operators or establish procedures for utility service delivery to these facilities. Based on the title alone, the bill appears to focus on definitional and procedural matters rather than proposing major incentives or restrictions for the data center industry. The bill likely affects data center operators, utility companies, and potentially state regulators responsible for overseeing utility service in Alaska. For a state considering or developing data center infrastructure, clarifying utility service frameworks could be significant for attracting facilities or streamlining operational processes. The bill is currently in committee, having been heard and held with recessed status pending the chair's call to resume proceedings.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based solely on its title and legislative history. The bill appears to have addressed regulatory frameworks for siting small modular reactors (SMRs) in Arizona, with a specific focus on allowing or facilitating the co-location of these nuclear power facilities with data centers. This legislation would have likely affected Arizona's zoning regulations and land use policies to remove or reduce barriers to placing SMRs adjacent to or in proximity with data center facilities. The proposal matters for data center development because it would enable data center operators to secure independent, on-site nuclear power generation, potentially reducing their reliance on the grid and lowering long-term energy costs. The bill failed in its legislative process, meaning it did not advance to passage, and Arizona's zoning and permitting rules for SMR and data center co-location remain unchanged. The failed status suggests that concerns about nuclear safety, local zoning authority, environmental review, or other factors prevented the legislation from gaining sufficient support to move forward.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on its title and most recent legislative action. Based on its title, this bill appears to address labor standards and electricity rates applicable to data centers operating in California, suggesting it may establish or modify regulatory requirements in these two areas rather than provide incentives or restrictions on data center development. The legislation would likely affect data center operators, employees in the sector, electricity consumers in areas served by affected utilities, and potentially local communities where data centers are located. This bill matters for California's data center industry because labor standards and electricity rates represent significant operational costs that can influence where companies choose to build facilities and how they structure their operations within the state. As of May 14, the bill was held in committee and remains under submission, meaning it has not yet advanced further in the legislative process and may still be undergoing review or revision before potential future action.

The full text of this California bill was not available for review at the time of this summary. Based on its title, the bill addresses how data centers are charged for utilities and services, likely establishing or modifying rate structures that apply to these facilities. The bill would primarily affect data center operators, utility companies, and potentially local governments that oversee rate-setting processes in California. Understanding rate structures is important for data center development because utility costs significantly influence where companies choose to locate facilities and how economically viable new projects become. The bill has cleared its policy committee with unanimous support and now moves to the Appropriations Committee, suggesting it has gathered broad backing among legislators. To understand the specific changes proposed and their implications for the industry and ratepayers, stakeholders should consult the full legislative text once available.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based solely on its title and legislative history. Based on its title, the bill appears to modify California's Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to designate data centers and clean energy power plants as "environmental leadership development projects," a classification that typically streamlines environmental review and reduces permitting barriers for qualifying projects. This designation would likely affect data center developers and operators seeking to build or expand facilities in California, as well as companies developing clean energy generation plants that may support those facilities. The change matters significantly for data center development in California because it could reduce project timelines and costs by expediting the environmental review process, potentially making the state more competitive for data center investment compared to other jurisdictions. The bill has recently been amended and re-referred to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, indicating it remains in the legislative process with potential modifications still under consideration. The pro-development sentiment reflected in this classification suggests the bill is intended to facilitate data center and clean energy projects while maintaining some level of environmental oversight through the CEQA framework.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on the bill title and latest legislative action. Based on its title, this California bill appears to require data centers to disclose their water consumption, likely to state regulators and potentially to the public. The bill has been amended and referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, indicating it remains under consideration in the legislative process. Data centers consume significant quantities of water for cooling operations, making water use transparency a growing policy concern in California, particularly given the state's ongoing drought challenges and competing water demands. If enacted, this legislation would impose new reporting obligations on data center operators, potentially increasing their compliance costs and subjecting their water consumption to greater regulatory scrutiny and public awareness. The bill's current status suggests it is in an intermediate stage of the legislative process and could advance, be modified further, or stall depending on committee deliberations.

The full text of this bill was not available for this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill's title and legislative history. Based on its placement within California's water resources legislation, this bill appears to impose new requirements or restrictions related to water usage by data centers, which are significant consumers of water for cooling and other operational needs. The bill likely affects large technology companies and data center operators currently active or planning expansion in California, as well as communities where these facilities are or could be located. This legislation matters for data center development in California because water availability and usage restrictions could influence where companies choose to build new facilities and how they operate existing ones in the state. The bill has advanced through the legislative process, having been read a second time, amended, and re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations as of the latest action, indicating it remains under active consideration. The medium confidence anti-sentiment classification suggests the bill is expected to create regulatory burdens on data center operations, though without access to the full text, the specific provisions and their potential impacts cannot be detailed.

The full text of this California bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on publicly available information about its title and legislative status. Based on its title "Data centers: reporting," the bill appears to establish or modify reporting requirements for data center operators or developers in California, though the specific details of what must be reported and to whom cannot be confirmed without access to the bill text. Such reporting requirements typically affect data center companies, state agencies, and local jurisdictions by creating new obligations to track and disclose information about data center operations, environmental impacts, energy use, or economic effects. This type of procedural legislation matters for data center development because it can influence transparency, regulatory oversight, and planning decisions without directly restricting or incentivizing facility construction. The bill has been read a second time in the legislature, was amended during that reading, and has been re-referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, indicating it remains under active consideration. Further details about the bill's specific requirements and implications will become clearer once the amended text is made publicly available or the bill advances through the committee process.

The full text of this California bill was not available at the time of this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill's title and its current legislative status. The bill addresses the relationship between electricity and data centers in California, though the precise nature of the proposed changes cannot be determined from the title alone. This legislation likely affects both data center operators and California's electricity grid management, as data centers are among the state's most energy-intensive facilities. The bill's focus on electricity suggests it may address power supply, grid reliability, energy pricing, or environmental impacts related to data center operations, all matters of significant concern in California's evolving energy landscape. As of its latest action, the bill has been amended and referred to the Committee on Appropriations, indicating it is progressing through the legislative process and may involve budget implications. Further details about the bill's specific provisions and likely impacts will become clearer as the full text is released and the bill advances through subsequent committee reviews.

House Bill 26-1030 would create a new Colorado Data Center Development Authority within the state's Office of Economic Development to administer incentives for large data center projects meeting specific criteria. The bill's central incentive is a 100 percent state sales and use tax exemption on qualified data center infrastructure and systems, lasting 20 years from certification with potential extension for an additional 10 years, contingent on operators meeting substantial requirements including a minimum $250 million infrastructure investment, job creation commitments, prevailing wage and apprenticeship compliance, and adoption of energy efficiency and water stewardship standards. To qualify and maintain certification, data center operators must consult with utilities about interconnection feasibility, commit to breaking ground within two years, and submit annual compliance reports demonstrating ongoing adherence to certification requirements, with failure to comply resulting in revocation of certification and repayment of tax benefits received. The bill also permits utilities regulated by the Public Utilities Commission to submit applications proposing targeted resource acquisition methods to meet the needs of these large-load customers. The bill's stated purpose is to facilitate data center development while supporting utility resources and modernizing the grid, with particular attention to workforce development, clean energy, and consumer and environmental protection. The House Committee on Energy and Environment has postponed the bill indefinitely, meaning it is currently stalled in the legislative process with uncertain prospects for advancement.

Senate Bill 26-102 would establish significant new requirements for large-load data centers in Colorado, defined as new facilities with peak loads exceeding 30 megawatts or existing facilities adding more than 30 megawatts of capacity. Beginning in 2031, data center operators would be required to source 100 percent of their electricity from renewable resources on an annual basis and meet an additional hourly matching requirement, with the Public Utilities Commission tasked by 2030 with determining the feasibility and specific percentage of hourly renewable energy matching. The bill imposes additional operational obligations on data centers, including long-term infrastructure contracts with utilities, contributions to demand-side management programs, water management compliance, and comprehensive reporting requirements to state agencies, while utilities are prohibited from offering economic development incentive rates to these facilities and must verify operator compliance before providing service. For communities, the legislation mandates cumulative impacts analyses for data center projects in disproportionately impacted areas and requires the Department of Local Affairs to develop model building codes for data center development by 2027. The bill currently faces an uncertain trajectory, as the Senate Committee on Transportation and Energy has voted to postpone it indefinitely, which typically signals lack of support or the need for further revision before it can advance to a floor vote.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based solely on the bill's title and legislative action. The measure amends three sections of Delaware Code (Titles 9, 22, and 29) related to data centers, suggesting it makes regulatory or operational changes across multiple areas of state law governing these facilities. Based on the strong House passage vote of 37-3, the bill appears to address substantive policy matters that garnered broad support among legislators, though the specific nature of the amendments cannot be confirmed without access to the bill text. The legislation likely affects data center operators, property owners, local municipalities, and potentially state agencies responsible for regulating these facilities in Delaware. The changes could impact tax treatment, zoning, environmental requirements, labor standards, or other regulatory frameworks that influence data center development and operations in the state. The bill has passed the House and will likely move to the Senate for consideration in the coming legislative session.

The full text of this Delaware bill was not available for review, so this summary is based solely on the bill's title and recent legislative action. SB 353 proposes amendments to Delaware law that would establish or modify a moratorium on data center development within the state. Based on the bill's title, it would restrict or pause new data center construction projects, a significant regulatory action that would directly affect technology companies, data center operators, and investors planning facilities in Delaware. The moratorium could impact the state's economic development strategy, as data centers represent high-value infrastructure investments that generate jobs and tax revenue. On the latest legislative action, a motion to suspend Senate rules to expedite consideration of the bill failed on December 19, 2024, with only 6 senators voting in favor and 15 voting against, suggesting significant opposition to fast-tracking the measure. This failed procedural motion indicates the bill faces substantial headwinds in the Senate and its ultimate passage remains uncertain.

Florida SB 484 imposes significant new restrictions on data center development in the state through four primary mechanisms: prohibiting government agencies from entering into nondisclosure agreements that would hide data center development plans from the public, requiring the Florida Public Service Commission to establish cost allocation rules ensuring that large data center customers bear their own service costs rather than shifting them to other ratepayers, granting local governments explicit authority to regulate data centers through comprehensive planning and land development rules, and restricting water permits for large-scale data centers by requiring applicants to demonstrate water conservation measures and prioritize reclaimed water use. The bill affects multiple stakeholders including data center operators seeking to expand in Florida, local governments and water management districts overseeing permits, public utilities providing electricity and water services, and residential ratepayers who have expressed concerns about infrastructure costs. The legislation reflects apparent legislative intent to balance data center industry growth with protections for taxpayers, ratepayers, and environmental resources, while ensuring transparency in development negotiations. As of the latest action recorded as Chapter No. 2026-65, the bill appears to have completed the legislative process, though the specific effective date and implementation timeline would be determined by the provisions within the complete bill text.

Hawaii House Resolution 196 requests the Hawaii State Energy Office to establish a working group to study how large data centers (defined as facilities requiring five megawatts or more of electricity) could affect the state's electric utilities, ratepayers, natural resources, and climate goals. The working group would include representatives from state energy and economic development agencies, the Public Utilities Commission, electric utilities, consumer advocacy organizations, and environmental groups, all coordinated by the state's Chief Energy Officer. The resolution directs the group to examine potential regulatory safeguards and policy options, including mechanisms to ensure data center developers pay for necessary grid infrastructure upgrades, protections for residential and small business ratepayers from increased electricity costs, and requirements for transparency regarding energy consumption, water usage, and emissions. Although Hawaii has not yet received proposals for hyperscale data centers, the resolution emphasizes that the state's isolated island electric grids are particularly sensitive to large new electricity loads and that proactive planning is needed to protect the state's clean energy and climate commitments. The resolution was recently reported favorably from the Finance Committee and is moving through the legislative process, though as a study resolution rather than substantive legislation, its impact will depend on the working group's findings and any future bills that may result from their recommendations. This action reflects growing national concern about data centers' strain on electricity grids and water resources, with Hawaii seeking to establish safeguards before such facilities are proposed in the islands.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests Hawaii's State Energy Office to establish a working group tasked with studying how large data centers could affect the state's electric utilities, electricity ratepayers, natural resources, and climate goals. The working group would include representatives from state energy and environmental agencies, the Public Utilities Commission, electric utilities, consumer and environmental organizations, energy developers, and other stakeholders invited by the chair. The group would examine potential regulatory safeguards and policy options, including mechanisms to ensure data center developers pay for necessary grid infrastructure upgrades, protections for residential and small-business ratepayers from rate increases, and requirements for transparency regarding electricity consumption, water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions. While Hawaii has not yet received proposals for large hyperscale data centers, the resolution frames this study as a proactive measure given the dramatic national expansion of data center construction driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing demand. The bill is currently in the referral stage, having been assigned to the Senate's Energy, Environmental Protection, and Finance committees. If passed, the resolution would not impose any direct regulations or restrictions on data center development but rather would establish a fact-finding process to inform future policy decisions in Hawaii.

Hawaii House Concurrent Resolution 206 requests that the Hawaii State Energy Office establish a working group to study the potential impacts of large data centers on the state's electricity grid, ratepayers, natural resources, and climate goals. The resolution focuses on facilities requiring five megawatts or more of instantaneous power demand and directs the working group to examine regulatory safeguards and policy options, including mechanisms to ensure data center developers bear infrastructure costs, protections for residential and small-business ratepayers, and requirements for transparency in electricity and water usage reporting. The resolution reflects concerns that Hawaii's isolated island electric grids face unique vulnerabilities to large new electricity loads and that without appropriate safeguards, existing residents and small businesses could bear the financial burden of grid upgrades needed to support data center operations. Although Hawaii has not yet received proposals for hyperscale data centers, rapid national growth in artificial intelligence infrastructure prompted lawmakers to take a proactive approach to potential future development. The resolution has been adopted by both chambers and transmitted to the House, establishing a framework for state agencies, utilities, and stakeholders to develop informed recommendations before any significant data center projects are proposed in the state.

Senate Resolution 90 requests that Hawaii's State Energy Office establish a working group to study how large data centers could affect the state's electric utilities, ratepayers, natural resources, and climate objectives. The resolution does not directly regulate or restrict data center development but instead calls for proactive analysis and policy recommendations before such facilities are proposed in Hawaii. The working group would include representatives from state agencies, utilities, consumer and environmental advocates, energy developers, and other stakeholders, and would examine potential safeguards such as requiring data centers to cover infrastructure upgrade costs, protecting residential consumers from rate increases, and ensuring facilities rely on renewable energy sources. Hawaii's concern about data centers is particularly acute given the state's isolated island electric grids and constitutional mandate to protect water resources, combined with projections that data centers could consume 6.7 to 12 percent of U.S. electricity by 2028 as artificial intelligence demand grows. Although Hawaii has not yet received hyperscale data center proposals, the resolution reflects recognition that such projects could arrive and should be evaluated against the state's clean energy and climate goals. As of May 26, 2026, certified copies of the resolution have been distributed, representing the final legislative action on this study request.

House Bill 897 amends Idaho's tax code to modify and restrict existing tax incentives for data center development, specifically revising a 20-year sales tax exemption for server equipment and data center facilities while tightening eligibility requirements for property tax exemptions on capital investments. The bill introduces a significant limitation by restricting the sales tax exemption for data centers that commence construction on or after April 1, 2026, to only eligible server equipment, meaning newly constructed buildings and structural components would no longer qualify for the exemption period. To qualify for these incentives, companies must still meet the existing threshold of investing at least $250 million in Idaho data centers within five years of construction commencement and creating at least 30 new full-time jobs within two years of operations, and the bill adds a restriction preventing companies from claiming these exemptions if they have already received incentives under Idaho's reimbursement incentive act. The bill matters for Idaho's data center sector because it represents a narrowing of previously available tax benefits, potentially affecting the economic competitiveness of new data center projects while grandfathering in projects that began construction before the April 2026 cutoff date. The legislation has been referred to the Revenue and Taxation Committee for a concurrence recommendation, indicating it has passed at least one chamber and is moving through the legislative process. Industry stakeholders and local governments will likely monitor how this change affects future data center investment decisions in the state.

Idaho's HB 895, signed by the governor on April 2, 2026, establishes new restrictions on water consumption for data center cooling operations in the state, effective July 1, 2026. The law prohibits data centers that begin construction after the effective date from using water for cooling purposes unless that water comes from municipal, water district, or water and sewer district systems, effectively barring them from drawing directly on groundwater or other sources outside municipal systems. The legislature explicitly found that data center water consumption conflicts with local public interest, contradicts water conservation goals, and may harm local economies in watersheds where water is sourced but not used. The bill requires the Idaho Department of Water Resources director to apply these legislative findings when evaluating new water appropriation or transfer requests from data centers, creating a regulatory framework that presumes data center water use is problematic unless conditions are met. This legislation will significantly impact data center development plans in Idaho, as it removes the option for new facilities to use consumptive cooling water from traditional sources and forces developers to negotiate access to municipal water systems or pursue alternative cooling technologies. The law's immediate effectiveness and the emergency declaration suggest lawmakers viewed water scarcity concerns as urgent enough to warrant swift implementation without the typical legislative delay.

HB5755 would amend Illinois municipal law to establish new procedural requirements for data center siting approvals, requiring municipalities to hold at least one public hearing within 60 days of receiving a data center application and to publish notice in newspapers and on municipal websites. The bill would also establish a "back-door referendum" mechanism that allows local voters to challenge a data center approval if at least 15 percent of voters from the most recent general election sign a petition within 60 days of the application notice, ultimately requiring the proposed facility to be approved by referendum at a regularly scheduled election. These requirements apply to any facility with a combined connected load of 5 megawatts or greater used for digital data storage, management, and processing, as well as to any "qualifying Illinois data center" as defined under state economic development law. The bill would significantly affect data center developers and municipalities by adding public participation requirements and voter approval processes to the siting approval timeline, potentially extending project approval timelines and creating uncertainty for planned facilities. For municipalities and residents, the bill shifts some decision-making authority from local officials and zoning boards to the electorate, giving communities a direct voice in whether large data centers can be built in their jurisdiction. The bill is currently referred to the Rules Committee and has not yet been scheduled for further action.

Senate Bill 4206 would grant Illinois counties and municipalities explicit authority to regulate data center development through local zoning ordinances and construction standards. Under the proposed legislation, both counties and municipalities could establish rules governing data center siting, size, height, design, and the number of facilities allowed in specific geographic areas, while also setting standards to protect water resources and mitigate noise pollution. The bill includes a significant constraint requiring counties and municipalities to obtain written consent from neighboring municipalities before approving a data center within 3 miles of their corporate boundaries, and mandates at least one public hearing with 30 days' notice before any siting decision. Existing county zoning ordinances pertaining to data centers would be grandfathered in and remain valid under this law. The bill currently stands at the procedural stage of being referred to Assignments in the Illinois legislature, and its ultimate passage and implementation would depend on further legislative action. For Illinois communities, this legislation matters because it would shift greater control over data center placement to local governments, potentially allowing them to balance economic development opportunities against environmental and quality-of-life concerns specific to their jurisdictions.

Senate Bill 3120 would add water stewardship requirements to Illinois's existing data center tax incentive program by requiring qualifying data centers to document and report their water management strategies as a condition for receiving state tax exemptions and credits. Under current law, data centers that meet thresholds for capital investment, job creation, and environmental certifications can receive significant tax benefits including exemptions from sales taxes and credits against income taxes, but the bill would add a new requirement that applicants detail their water stewardship approach, including whether they use closed-loop cooling systems or treated municipal wastewater, when the strategy was adopted, and evidence of sustained implementation. This amendment targets a key environmental concern around data center operations, which are known to consume substantial amounts of water for cooling purposes, and would make water management transparency a formal part of Illinois's data center incentive qualification process. The legislation also requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to include water stewardship strategy details in its annual reports to lawmakers and the Governor on data center investments, creating ongoing public accountability for how tax-incentivized facilities manage this critical resource. The bill was introduced on February 2, 2026, by Senator Laura M. Murphy and is currently undergoing committee amendment and reassignment, which are early procedural steps that suggest the proposal may undergo further refinement before advancing to a floor vote.

SB3830 would establish new environmental monitoring and renewable energy requirements specifically for data centers operating in Illinois. The bill creates a "data center self-direct program" that would allow data centers to reduce their renewable energy procurement charges if they generate or contribute to new clean energy resources, with reductions scaling based on the energy value of those contributions. Starting January 1, 2027, all Illinois data centers discharging water to treatment plants would be required to identify, monitor, and report on water pollutants, while all data centers would need to track and annually disclose water consumption data to the state, with the Department of Natural Resources publishing aggregated results publicly. Data centers failing to comply with these disclosure requirements could face fines up to $10,000 per violation. The bill also requires utilities to file revenue-neutral tariff proposals with the Illinois Commerce Commission within 90 days and makes related amendments to state water management law. As of the latest action, the bill has been amended by Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 and re-referred to committee assignments, indicating it remains in the procedural stages and has not yet advanced to a floor vote, though its immediate effective date upon passage suggests the legislature views these provisions as ready for implementation.

Illinois Senate Bill 3761 would establish new regulatory requirements and incentive programs for data centers operating in the state. The legislation creates a "data center self-direct program" that allows data center customers to receive reductions in charges for renewable energy procurement based on their contribution to new clean energy generation, while requiring the Illinois Power Agency to collect annual operational and performance data from participating facilities. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill mandates that data center operators submit detailed disclosure statements to the Illinois Commerce Commission at least 180 days before construction and that all operating data centers report their water consumption annually to the Department of Natural Resources, with violations subject to fines up to $10,000. The public disclosure requirements and water consumption tracking represent significant transparency measures that could affect data center site selection and operational planning in Illinois, as aggregated data would be made publicly available on state websites. The bill also directs electric utilities to propose revenue-neutral tariff changes within 90 days of enactment to address rate design issues related to data center service. Currently, the bill has been re-referred to the Assignments committee under Rule 3-9(a), indicating it remains in the early procedural stages of the legislative process.

Illinois Senate Bill 2181 would create the Illinois Data Center Energy and Water Reporting Act, requiring all data centers operating in the state to submit annual reports to the Illinois Power Agency beginning January 1, 2026, disclosing their monthly energy consumption, water usage, and efficiency improvements from the previous year. The reported data would be kept confidential to protect proprietary information, but the Agency would publish aggregated and anonymized findings annually to give the public visibility into statewide data center environmental impacts. The bill also directs the Illinois Power Agency to conduct a comprehensive study within 12 months examining how data centers affect electricity demand, rates for residential and commercial customers, and the environment, with recommendations for potential future legislation. Data centers that fail to report would face fines up to $10,000 per violation, with collected funds directed to the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund. The bill currently stands as a neutral procedural measure that does not restrict or incentivize data center development but rather establishes transparency mechanisms to understand the infrastructure's actual operational footprint. As of the latest legislative action, the bill has been referred back to Assignments following a Senate Committee amendment, meaning it remains in the early stages of the legislative process.

HB5513, introduced in February 2026 by Rep. Robyn Gabel and multiple co-sponsors, would establish comprehensive environmental, water, and energy regulations specifically for hyperscale data centers in Illinois. The bill amends several state statutes to require cumulative impact assessments, community benefits agreements, public notice procedures, and water resource planning for data center projects, including mandatory Water Impact Permits renewable every five years and quarterly water usage reporting. It would also establish two new funding mechanisms: the Data Center Community Intervenor Compensation Fund and the Hyperscale Data Center Public Benefits and Affordability Fund, both supported by annual fees based on peak demand, while prohibiting nondisclosure agreements that would prevent communities from learning about project impacts. The legislation significantly tightens energy and water compliance standards by mandating stringent energy codes and annual reporting to the Illinois Commerce Commission, while expanding renewable energy procurement programs and creating a self-direct program for hyperscale data centers. The bill also creates requirements for municipalities and counties to adopt residential automated solar permitting platforms by July 2027, with provisions allowing civil action against non-compliant jurisdictions. As of the latest available action, Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin has been added as a co-sponsor, indicating ongoing legislative engagement with the measure, though this procedural addition does not signal the bill's ultimate direction or likelihood of passage.

Illinois Senate Bill 4016, introduced in February 2026, would establish comprehensive environmental, water, and energy regulations specifically for hyperscale data centers operating in the state. The legislation amends multiple state statutes to require data center operators to undergo cumulative impact assessments, obtain Water Impact Permits with public hearings and five-year renewal cycles, comply with stringent energy codes, and submit to quarterly water usage reporting and annual energy reporting to the Illinois Commerce Commission. The bill would also create two new funding mechanisms, the Data Center Community Intervenor Compensation Fund and the Hyperscale Data Center Public Benefits and Affordability Fund, both supported by annual fees based on peak demand, and would mandate community benefits agreements while prohibiting nondisclosure agreements that could conceal facility impacts from the public. For data center developers and operators, this represents a significant regulatory expansion that prioritizes environmental protection, water conservation, and community transparency over streamlined facility permitting. The bill matters for Illinois's data center sector because it would make the state's regulatory environment substantially more restrictive than many competing jurisdictions, potentially affecting the competitiveness and feasibility of new hyperscale facility development in the state. Senator Karina Villa's recent addition as a co-sponsor suggests ongoing legislative engagement with the proposal, though the bill's current stage in the 104th General Assembly and prospects for passage remain unclear from the available information.

Senate Bill 4203 would amend Illinois law to require data center operators seeking tax exemptions to enter into community benefit agreements with their host municipalities or counties. Under the bill, these agreements would mandate that qualified data center operators make annual minimum payments to local communities equal to at least 10 percent of the property taxes that would otherwise be owed on the data center facility, ensuring that communities hosting these facilities receive ongoing revenue despite the operators' tax-exempt status. At least half of these payments must be distributed to eligible homeowners to help offset residential property tax burdens in the host community. The legislation applies to data centers meeting existing state criteria, including investments of at least $250 million over five years, creation of at least 20 high-wage jobs, and achievement of carbon-neutral or green building certification status. Introduced in May 2026 by Senator Sue Rezin, the bill recently gained co-sponsor support from Senator Erica Harriss, indicating continued legislative interest in balancing economic incentives for data center development with direct financial contributions to local communities. If enacted, this bill would represent a significant shift in how Illinois data center incentives operate by conditioning tax benefits on local revenue sharing rather than unconditional exemptions.

Senate Bill 3578, known as the Data Center Construction by Foreign Adversaries Act, would prohibit foreign companies from constructing data centers in Illinois without first obtaining certification from three state agencies. The bill defines a "foreign company" as any entity that is at least 51 percent owned by a foreign adversary or is headquartered in a country deemed a foreign adversary under federal regulations. Before such a facility could be built, the Illinois Commerce Commission, Illinois Power Agency, and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity would need to jointly study the prospective data center's energy consumption and certify that its power needs constitute entirely new self-generated load that would not strain the PJM or MISO electrical grids. This requirement effectively creates a regulatory gate for foreign-owned data center projects, linking approval to energy infrastructure capacity concerns rather than implementing an outright ban. The bill was introduced in February 2026 by Senator Sue Rezin and has recently gained a co-sponsor in Senator Darby Hills, indicating some level of legislative interest in the measure. The legislation reflects growing national scrutiny over foreign ownership stakes in critical infrastructure, though its practical impact will depend on how broadly "foreign adversary" is interpreted and how stringent the certification process becomes.

Senate Bill 92 extends exemptions in Kansas law that allow electric utilities to deny parallel generation service to certain large load customers and exclude those customers from peak demand calculations. The bill amends the state's regulations governing distributed energy systems and interconnection requirements by extending the expiration date of provisions that previously gave utilities discretion to opt out of offering these services to specific high-volume energy consumers. Large load customers, which can include data centers and other industrial facilities, would benefit from these exemptions as they reduce regulatory obligations utilities must otherwise fulfill and can lower the costs associated with operating backup or onsite generation systems. For Kansas's efforts to attract data center investment, this extension signals regulatory stability and cost predictability for major energy consumers considering locating facilities in the state. The bill was enrolled and presented to the governor on April 3, 2026, positioning it for executive action. The extension of these utility exemptions removes potential barriers to data center development by maintaining favorable conditions for large energy consumers that might otherwise face higher interconnection costs or mandatory utility service requirements.

House Bill 1206 would establish new permitting and reporting requirements for data centers in Louisiana, specifically targeting facilities designed to operate at 100 megawatts or more. Under the bill, any data center proposing to use more than 100 million gallons of water annually would need to obtain a permit from the state Department of Environmental Quality, with applicants required to provide detailed information about water sources, usage rates, and quality requirements. Before issuing a permit, the department would evaluate factors including impacts on public health and safety, environmental conservation measures, and effects on aquatic life and wildlife, with decisions made only after holding a public hearing in affected parishes. Additionally, all operating data centers would need to submit quarterly water usage reports detailing their total water consumption, water sources, and performance metrics related to water efficiency. The bill matters for data center development in Louisiana because the permitting threshold and ongoing reporting obligations could slow or complicate facility expansion, particularly given the substantial water consumption typical of large data centers used for artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Currently, the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment following its initial reading, placing it early in the legislative process.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on the bill's title and legislative history. The proposed legislation would amend Michigan's public utilities law to impose a moratorium on the Michigan Public Service Commission's ability to approve new enterprise data centers. Based on the bill's language, it would directly restrict or pause the development of large-scale data center facilities that require public utility infrastructure or regulatory approval. The measure would affect data center companies seeking to expand operations in Michigan, utility providers, and potentially communities where data center projects are planned or under consideration. For Michigan's data center industry, this moratorium could significantly slow or prevent new facility development during the period it remains in effect, depending on the duration and specific scope of the restrictions. The bill was most recently referred to the House Committee on Government Operations, where it will undergo further review before any potential floor vote.

The full text of this bill was not available for this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill's title and legislative history. The bill proposes to amend Michigan's zoning law by bringing data centers under the purview of the state's Data Center Regulation Act, effectively linking local zoning authority with state-level data center regulations. This change would affect municipalities' ability to regulate data center development within their jurisdictions, as well as data center operators seeking to establish facilities in Michigan. The measure matters because it could streamline or alter how data center projects navigate the approval process at the local level, potentially addressing conflicts between local zoning ordinances and state regulatory frameworks. The bill is currently referred to the House Committee on Government Operations and is tied to Senate Bill 1018 of 2026, suggesting a coordinated legislative approach to data center regulation. Without access to the full text, the specific requirements or standards the bill establishes cannot be determined, though its procedural nature suggests it aims to clarify regulatory coordination rather than impose strict new restrictions or incentives.

The full text of this Michigan bill was not available for review at the time of this summary. Based on its title, the legislation would create a new law establishing a moratorium on approvals and operations for new data centers in the state. The measure would directly affect companies seeking to build or operate data centers in Michigan, as well as technology companies and other businesses that rely on data center infrastructure and services. For the data center industry, this moratorium represents a significant constraint on expansion and development within the state, potentially impacting Michigan's competitiveness for technology investment and cloud computing operations. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been referred to the House Committee on Government Operations. The legislation is also tied to Senate Bill 1019, suggesting companion legislative efforts on this issue.

The full text of this bill was not available at the time of this summary, so the following overview is based on the bill's title and legislative history. Michigan House Bill 6136 proposes to amend the Public Utilities Act by adding a new section that would establish special utility rate structures for large load commercial data centers. By creating dedicated rate categories for data center operations, the bill aims to reduce the operational costs associated with powering these facilities, which typically consume substantial amounts of electricity. This legislation is part of a coordinated package of seven related bills (HB 6136 through HB 6142) designed to support data center development and competitiveness in Michigan. The measure is likely to affect both utility companies regulated under Michigan's Public Utilities Commission and data center operators seeking to locate or expand facilities in the state. As of June 25, 2026, the bill had been electronically reproduced and remains in the early stages of the legislative process. The coordinated approach across multiple bills suggests that Michigan policymakers view data center development as a priority for economic development and investment attraction in the state.

The full text of this Michigan bill was not available at the time of this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill title and legislative action. The bill appears to create new statutory requirements governing water usage at data centers operating in Michigan, suggesting the state is moving to regulate how much water these facilities consume in their operations. Data centers typically use significant quantities of water for cooling systems, making water management a key operational consideration for the industry. This legislation would likely affect existing data center operators and companies planning new facilities in Michigan, potentially increasing compliance costs and operational constraints. The bill's passage would signal Michigan's intent to balance data center development with environmental and water resource protection, an increasingly common policy approach as data center expansion accelerates. As of June 25, 2026, the bill has been electronically reproduced in its legislative chamber, indicating it remains in early stages of the legislative process.

The full text of this Michigan bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on the bill's title and legislative history. The bill, which adds Section 10jj to Michigan's 1939 Public Act 3, would establish mandatory requirements for data center operators to decommission, dismantle, and remediate their facilities, likely addressing concerns about environmental cleanup and site restoration after a data center closes. The legislation would apply to data center owners and operators in Michigan, potentially imposing financial and operational obligations that industry representatives view as creating barriers to development. For Michigan's data center sector, these requirements matter significantly as they could increase the long-term costs of operating facilities in the state and affect investment decisions by companies considering Michigan locations. The bill is tied to six related House bills (HB 6135'26 through HB 6140'26), suggesting it is part of a broader legislative package addressing data center operations and responsibilities. As of June 25, 2026, the bill has been electronically reproduced in the legislative system but has not yet advanced to further action.

The full text of this Michigan bill was not available at the time of this summary. Based on its title, the legislation would create a new law prohibiting public employees and officers from entering into nondisclosure agreements related to data center construction projects. The bill appears designed to increase public transparency around data center development by restricting the use of confidentiality agreements that currently allow public sector participants to keep construction details private. This measure would likely affect data center developers, construction contractors, and local government officials involved in permitting and planning processes. For Michigan's data center industry, passage could mean greater public disclosure of project details, timelines, and arrangements, which some developers may view as commercially sensitive information while transparency advocates see as necessary public oversight. The bill was electronically reproduced on June 25, 2026, and is being considered alongside at least six related pieces of legislation addressing various aspects of data center regulation and public transparency.

The full text of this Michigan bill was not available at the time of this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill title and legislative action. The bill would create a new law requiring certain data centers to enter into community benefit agreements as a condition of development or operation. Community benefit agreements are legally binding contracts between developers and communities that typically outline commitments regarding local hiring, infrastructure improvements, environmental protections, or other community investments. This legislation would represent a significant regulatory shift for Michigan's data center industry by mandating negotiated agreements with local communities rather than allowing projects to proceed under standard zoning and permitting processes alone. The bill is tied to at least seven related measures (HB 6135, 6136, 6138, 6139, 6140, 6141, and 6142), suggesting this is part of a broader legislative package addressing data center development and community impacts. As of June 25, 2026, the bill has been electronically reproduced but has not advanced further through the legislative process.

The full text of this bill was not available at the time of this summary, so this overview is based on the bill title and legislative history. The bill would amend Michigan's public utilities law to require project labor agreements (PLAs) for certain data center contracts involving electric utilities. Project labor agreements are comprehensive labor contracts negotiated before construction begins that typically establish wages, benefits, and working conditions for workers on large projects. This requirement would apply to data center development projects that involve utilities, potentially increasing project costs and administrative complexity for developers seeking to build or expand facilities in Michigan. The bill is one of seven related measures tied together legislatively, suggesting a coordinated effort to reshape how data center projects are developed in the state. As of June 25, 2026, the bill has been electronically reproduced and remains in the early stages of the legislative process.

The full text of this bill was not available at the time of this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill's title and legislative history. The bill would amend Michigan's zoning enabling act to require data center projects to comply with a community benefit agreement framework, specifically referencing the data center community benefit agreement act. This change would affect how data centers are permitted and developed across Michigan by adding a procedural requirement that ties zoning decisions to community benefit negotiations or agreements. The bill matters for data center development because it introduces a new layer of requirements that could influence where and how these facilities are built in the state, potentially affecting both project timelines and the terms under which communities accept such development. The bill is currently tied to House Bill 6137, meaning its passage may be contingent on that companion measure, and as of June 25, 2026, the bill had been electronically reproduced in the legislative process. Without access to the specific terms of the referenced community benefit agreement act, the exact impact on data center development cannot be fully determined from the available information.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on the bill title and legislative history. This Michigan bill would amend the state's construction permit law to require an acoustic engineering report as a mandatory condition for obtaining a building permit for data centers. The requirement would apply to any data center project seeking approval under Michigan's construction code framework and would necessitate that developers commission professional acoustic assessments before permits can be issued. Industry observers note that this requirement could extend permitting timelines and increase development costs, as companies would need to hire specialized engineering consultants to conduct and submit acoustic analyses before construction can proceed. The bill appears connected to a broader legislative package addressing data center development, as indicated by its tie-bar references to six related bills also under consideration. As of June 25, 2026, the bill has been electronically reproduced and remains in early legislative stages, with its prospects and implementation timeline still uncertain.

Senate Bill 762 would require Michigan's Public Service Commission to publish annual reports containing detailed information about water and energy consumption at data centers across the state. Specifically, starting July 1, 2027, the commission must report the total water usage for each data center in each public water supply service area and the total energy consumption for each facility measured in gigawatts per year, with public water supplies required to submit their data to the commission by June 1 each year. The bill does not restrict or incentivize data center development, but instead establishes a transparency mechanism to track resource usage by these facilities, which consume significant amounts of both water and electricity. This reporting requirement matters because Michigan, like other states, has seen increased interest in data center construction, and policymakers and the public have expressed concerns about the environmental impacts of these facilities on local water supplies and energy grids. The bill was introduced in December 2025 with bipartisan support from six senators and was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, where it remains in the early stages of the legislative process. The neutral procedural nature of the bill suggests it may face fewer political obstacles than legislation that would directly restrict or promote data center development.

Senate Bill 1048 would require Michigan electric utilities to meet strict labor standards before the state Public Service Commission can approve any contract, tariff, discount, or rate agreement between a utility and a data center operator. Specifically, data center construction and maintenance work would need to use apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, pay workers at prevailing wage and fringe benefit rates (whichever is higher under state or federal law), and operate under project labor agreements or collective bargaining agreements to the extent permitted by law. The bill defines data centers as facilities designed to house equipment for centralized data storage and processing and applies these requirements to any facility in Michigan seeking utility rate agreements. The measure was introduced in June 2026 by a bipartisan group of Democratic senators and was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, with Senator Sean McCann added as a co-sponsor in subsequent action. Data center developers and electric utilities would be the primary entities affected, as they would face increased labor cost requirements and regulatory conditions before finalizing utility agreements, potentially impacting the competitiveness and timeline of data center projects in the state. The bill's current trajectory remains uncertain as it moves through the legislative process, but the prevailing wage and project labor agreement requirements represent a significant policy shift that would reshape the economics of data center development in Michigan.

Senate Bill 1050, introduced in Michigan in June 2026, would require data centers to negotiate and enter into community benefit agreements with local governments before they can begin construction or operation. Under the bill, data center owners or operators must file applications with their local unit of government and receive approval of a community benefit agreement that demonstrably accommodates and benefits public health, safety, welfare, and local resources within 90 days of filing. Local governments would gain explicit authority to deny permits, site plans, variances, and other authorizations necessary for data center development if no approved community benefit agreement is in place. The legislation would establish the Michigan Public Service Commission's role in implementing rules to administer the new requirements. This bill reflects growing pressure from communities seeking to ensure that large-scale data center development generates local benefits such as infrastructure improvements, job creation, or environmental protections rather than imposing costs without offsetting gains. The bill is currently in the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment with Senator Sean McCann named as a co-sponsor.

Senate Bill 1051 would amend Michigan's zoning enabling act to make local zoning ordinances subject to a new "data center community benefit act," a provision that does not yet appear to be fully defined in the available bill text. The amendment adds data centers to an existing list of infrastructure projects and energy initiatives that can override or supersede local zoning regulations, placing them alongside electric transmission lines, transit authority projects, wireless facilities, and renewable energy installations. By subjecting zoning decisions to this framework, the bill would streamline the approval process for data center development by limiting the ability of counties and townships to enforce local zoning restrictions that might otherwise block or delay such projects. The bill was introduced on June 18, 2026, by six Democratic state senators and referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment, with Senator Sean McCann recently named as a co-sponsor. The legislation is tied to Senate Bill 1050, meaning it cannot take effect unless that companion measure is also enacted into law, a procedural requirement that may affect its timeline and ultimate passage. For communities considering data center projects, this bill represents a significant shift in local zoning authority, as it would establish a state-level framework that prioritizes data center development in ways that local governments cannot easily resist.

Senate Bill 1047 would establish strict regulatory requirements for data centers and other large energy-use facilities seeking utility service in Michigan, creating what amounts to a separate rate class for these customers. The bill requires that any new or expanding data center submit a tariff or contract to the Michigan Public Service Commission or local utility governing board for approval, with the contract mandating a minimum 20-year term, a monthly billing charge based on at least 90 percent of contracted demand regardless of actual usage, and substantial collateral requirements in the form of either a letter of credit or cash deposit covering the full cost of utility infrastructure investments. The facility would face significant upfront costs including a $100,000 application fee and mandatory participation in the regional transmission organization's generation interconnection queue, plus early termination penalties covering remaining minimum charges and unrecovered utility costs. These requirements effectively shift infrastructure cost burden away from existing utility customers and onto data center operators, while also giving utilities leverage to curtail data center electricity use during energy emergencies. The bill was introduced in June 2026 and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, with Senator Sean McCann recently added as a co-sponsor, though no further action status is indicated in the available information. For data center developers considering Michigan, this legislation would substantially increase upfront capital requirements and financial risk compared to jurisdictions with more streamlined utility arrangements.

The full text of Senate Bill 439 was not available for this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill's title and legislative history. Based on its title, SB439 appears to address how New Hampshire municipalities can zone land for data center facilities, likely establishing or clarifying regulatory frameworks that govern where and how data centers may be developed within local jurisdictions. This legislation would potentially affect data center developers, municipal planning boards, local government officials, and communities considering data center projects within their areas. Data center zoning policy matters significantly for New Hampshire's economic development and technology sector, as it determines whether municipalities can attract these facilities, what conditions apply to their development, and how local communities can manage their growth and impacts. As of May 14, 2026, the bill was laid on the table by Representative Ammon, a procedural action that effectively removes it from active consideration in the current legislative session. The substantial vote margin in favor of this action (304-11) suggests there was broad agreement among House members to set the bill aside at that time, though the specific reasons for this action are not clear from the legislative record alone.

The full text of this bill was not available for this summary, so the following overview is based on the bill's title and its current legislative status. This New Jersey measure would direct the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to conduct a comprehensive study examining the environmental, infrastructural, and financial impacts of data center development within the state. The study would likely analyze how data centers affect electricity demand and grid infrastructure, local environmental conditions, tax revenues, and related economic factors. The bill is relevant to data center companies, local municipalities, utility providers, and residents in areas where data centers may be developed or expanded, as the findings could inform future policy decisions about this industry. Because the measure is purely investigative and does not impose new regulations or incentives, it represents an initial fact-gathering step that could precede more substantive legislative action on data center development. The bill was introduced and referred to the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee, where it currently awaits consideration.

The full text of this bill was not available at the time of this summary. Based on its title and current legislative status, this New Jersey Senate bill appears designed to increase transparency in data center development by prohibiting confidentiality agreements that would conceal information about data center projects under the state's Municipal Land Use Law. The measure would likely affect data center developers, local municipalities, and the public by requiring greater disclosure of development agreements and related project details. This transparency initiative matters for New Jersey communities because data center projects can have significant local impacts, including effects on land use, infrastructure, and municipal services, and residents and officials have expressed concern about secretive development agreements that limit public input and information. The bill currently sits in the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee following its introduction in the Senate. As the legislative process continues, the specific definitions of covered information and any exemptions for proprietary business details will become clearer once the full bill text is available for review.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on the bill title and its current legislative status. The legislation directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a comprehensive study examining both the short-term and long-term effects of water consumption by large-scale data centers operating in the state. This bill likely affects data center operators, municipal water authorities, and communities in areas where data centers are developed or proposed, as it seeks to establish a factual foundation for understanding environmental impacts from these facilities. The study requirement matters for New Jersey's data center development because water usage has become an increasingly important consideration as the industry expands, and policymakers need reliable data to inform future regulatory decisions or incentive programs. Currently, the bill has been introduced in the New Jersey Senate and referred to the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, where it awaits further consideration and potential action.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on its title and legislative history. The "Responsible Data Center Development and Resource Protection Act" appears designed to establish comprehensive state-level rules governing how large data centers can be sited and developed in New Jersey, with particular attention to energy sourcing, water consumption, and environmental protection measures. Based on the bill's stated focus on resource protection and regulatory framework, it would likely affect data center developers, technology companies planning New Jersey facilities, local municipalities currently responsible for data center zoning decisions, and communities near proposed data center sites. The legislation matters for New Jersey's data center industry because it signals potential movement toward stricter state oversight of a sector that has experienced rapid growth, particularly regarding demands on the state's energy grid and water resources. Currently, the bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Community and Urban Affairs Committee, meaning it remains in early stages of consideration with no scheduled votes or amendments yet made public. The bill's emphasis on "responsible development" alongside resource protections suggests lawmakers are attempting to balance industry growth with environmental and community concerns, though the specific requirements and restrictions remain unclear pending release of the full legislative text.

Senate Bill 4401 would require New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to conduct a comprehensive study on how data center development affects the state's environment, infrastructure, and finances. The study must be completed within 12 months of the bill's enactment and would examine critical issues including data centers' energy consumption and water usage, their impact on the electric grid and local power infrastructure, effects on air quality and noise pollution, land use patterns including forest clearing, potential public health impacts, and energy efficiency practices such as renewable energy adoption. The BPU's resulting report would also evaluate fiscal impacts on residents, particularly through utility rate increases, and provide legislative recommendations to mitigate adverse effects. The bill defines data centers as facilities with an IT load exceeding one megawatt that house servers, networking equipment, and related infrastructure. The legislation currently sits in the Senate Environment and Energy Committee following its June 2026 introduction by Senators Paul Moriarty and James Beach, representing districts in South Jersey. As a mandate for study rather than immediate regulatory action, the bill represents an information-gathering step that could inform future policy decisions about data center development in the state.

The full text of this bill was not available at the time of this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill's title and legislative history. The bill would require data center developers to disclose certain information to the public and elected officials before their projects undergo preliminary site plan review under New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law. This disclosure requirement would apply during an early stage of the development approval process and could affect companies planning to build or expand data center facilities in the state. The measure appears designed to increase transparency and community input on data center projects, though it would add procedural steps that developers must complete before moving forward with site plan consideration. The bill was recently introduced in the New Jersey General Assembly and referred to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, where it currently remains under review. Given New Jersey's significant role in regional data infrastructure, this legislation could shape how data center proposals are evaluated and approved throughout the state.

The full text of this bill was not available for this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill's title and legislative history. The "Responsible Data Center Development and Resource Protection Act" would establish a statewide regulatory framework in New Jersey governing multiple aspects of large data center projects, including where facilities can be sited, how land use approvals are granted, what energy sources they must use, and how they manage water consumption and environmental impacts. The bill would affect data center developers, technology companies planning facilities in New Jersey, local municipalities with permitting authority, and residents in areas where large data centers may be proposed. For New Jersey's data center industry, this legislation matters because it would create consistent statewide standards rather than leaving siting and operational decisions to individual municipalities, potentially streamlining some approval processes while establishing mandatory resource management requirements. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced and referred to the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action.

The "End Data Center Tax Credits Act" reduces tax credits available to data centers under New Jersey's Next New Jersey Program by incorporating the program into a statewide $11.5 billion tax credit cap shared across multiple economic development initiatives, including historic property reinvestment, brownfields redevelopment, innovation programs, and cultural arts incentives. The bill, which passed both the Assembly and Senate with overwhelming support (74-4-0), redirects resources toward energy storage projects and provides temporary gross income tax credits to residential ratepayers, effectively prioritizing utility cost relief and clean energy infrastructure over data center expansion incentives. For data center developers, this represents a significant reduction in the financial incentives that have previously made New Jersey an attractive location for new facilities, potentially impacting the state's competitiveness in attracting data center investments compared to other states with more generous tax credit programs. The legislation reflects a policy shift toward addressing ratepayer concerns and supporting renewable energy storage rather than subsidizing large-scale data center operations, which have faced growing criticism from residents concerned about energy consumption and grid strain. With passage through both legislative chambers complete, the bill is likely advancing toward the governor's desk, though the governor's stance on data center development incentives will determine whether it becomes law. For industry professionals, this change signals that New Jersey is moving away from aggressive tax credit-based recruitment of data centers and may prompt companies to evaluate alternative states for facility expansion.

The "End Data Center Tax Credits Act," introduced in the New Jersey Assembly in June 2026, would reduce tax incentives available to data center operators under the Next New Jersey Program while redirecting resources to support energy storage projects and provide tax relief to residential ratepayers. The bill modifies the state's overall tax credit framework by adding the new "End Data Center Tax Credits Act" to the list of programs subject to New Jersey's $11.5 billion nine-year tax credit cap, effectively constraining the financial benefits previously available specifically for data center development. This change represents a policy shift toward prioritizing residential energy affordability and renewable energy infrastructure over incentivizing new data center construction in the state. The bill currently has a pending substitute version, S4390, which suggests ongoing legislative negotiations over its exact provisions and scope. For the data center industry, the legislation signals potential headwinds for future facility expansion in New Jersey, as the state recalibrates its economic development priorities away from tax credits for data center operators. The outcome will likely influence where companies choose to locate new data center facilities and could reshape New Jersey's competitive position in the regional market for such infrastructure investments.

Assembly Bill 4096 would require data center owners and operators in New Jersey to submit comprehensive water and energy usage reports to the Board of Public Utilities on a semi-annual basis, beginning either three or six months after the bill's effective date depending on when the facility began operations. The reports must include basic facility information, detailed energy consumption data from all sources, total water usage broken down by source type, on-site power supply details, and utility service agreements. Data centers that receive financial incentives from any state agency would face additional reporting requirements covering performance metrics such as power usage effectiveness, energy reuse factor, and renewable energy factor, along with sustainability indicators like equipment intake air temperature and waste heat temperature measurements. The bill matters for New Jersey's data center development because it establishes mandatory environmental monitoring and transparency requirements that could increase compliance costs and administrative burdens for operators, potentially affecting the state's competitive position in attracting or retaining data center investments. The bill's current status indicates it has been superseded by Senate Bill 3379, which suggests the Legislature may be considering alternative approaches to regulating data center resource usage. This substitution and the bill's classification as having anti-industry sentiment suggest ongoing policy debate about balancing environmental oversight with development incentives in New Jersey's data center sector.

New Jersey's Senate Bill 3379 would require data center owners and operators to submit detailed water and energy usage reports to the Board of Public Utilities twice per year for a three-year period, with the initial reports due within three to six months of the bill's enactment depending on facility age. Data centers that have received state financial incentives would face additional reporting requirements including performance metrics such as power usage effectiveness and energy reuse factor, as well as sustainability indicators. The BPU would be required to publish anonymized and aggregated data from at least five facilities on its website within 30 days of receiving reports, while keeping individual facility submissions confidential under public records law. Data center operators would also need to notify the BPU at least 60 days in advance of any substantial changes in operations or technologies that would affect the information in their reports. The bill passed the New Jersey Senate unanimously with a 39-0 vote and has now passed both houses, indicating broad legislative support for the transparency measure. Upon completion of the three-year reporting period, the BPU could make these reporting requirements permanent through adoption of new administrative rules.

New Jersey's recently enacted legislation requires electric utilities to create specialized electricity rate structures for large data centers, defined as facilities with a maximum monthly power demand of at least 100 megawatts. Under the law, utilities must file tariff applications with the state's Board of Public Utilities within 180 days, with implementation beginning one year after the bill takes effect, and these tariffs are designed with two main purposes: protecting non-data center customers from cost increases caused by data center electricity demand and encouraging data centers to improve energy efficiency and recover waste heat. The law imposes several requirements on data center customers, including financial guarantees to use at least 85 percent of requested service over 10 years, deposits or security to protect ratepayers if the facility reduces operations, and demonstrations that proposed projects are not duplicative of existing facilities elsewhere. This legislation reflects state concerns that large data centers could impose significant infrastructure costs on residential and small business ratepayers by requiring utility investments in transmission and distribution capacity, and the regulatory framework shifts some of those cost burdens directly onto the data center operators through dedicated rate structures. As a enacted law rather than pending legislation, this bill represents a firm regulatory constraint on data center expansion in New Jersey that industry players must now navigate when planning new large-scale facilities in the state.

The full text of this New York bill was not available for this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill's title and latest legislative action. Based on its title, the bill would impose a moratorium on the issuance of new permits for data center construction or expansion in New York, while also addressing how data centers affect utility rates paid by consumers. Such a moratorium would directly restrict data center development projects in the state and would likely affect technology companies, data center operators, and investors planning facility investments in New York. The bill matters significantly for data center development policy in the state because it represents a potential shift toward limiting or pausing the growth of the data center industry, which has been expanding rapidly in regions like upstate New York where lower costs and available land attract investment. A moratorium could impact New York's competitiveness for data center investment against other states, while potentially addressing concerns about strain on local electrical grids and utility costs for residents. The bill's current status as Print Number 10141A indicates it is in an active legislative stage and available for consideration or amendment by lawmakers.

The full text of this New York bill was not available for review, so this summary is based solely on its title and latest legislative action. According to its title, the bill would impose a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new data center construction and would address how data centers impact utility rates. The measure would primarily affect data center developers and operators seeking to build or expand facilities in New York, as well as electricity consumers and utilities that manage power distribution in the state. The bill reflects growing concern among policymakers about the rapid expansion of data centers, which consume substantial amounts of electricity and can drive up energy costs for residents and businesses. A moratorium would pause new data center development while the state presumably evaluates the infrastructure, environmental, and rate impacts of existing and planned facilities. The bill is currently in print status as version 9144A in the legislative process.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based solely on its title and current legislative status. Based on its name, the "Data Center Water Stewardship and Reuse Act" appears designed to establish requirements for how data centers in New York manage and recycle water used in their operations, though the specific regulatory provisions remain unknown without access to the bill's language. The legislation would likely affect data center operators and developers planning facilities in New York by potentially imposing new operational standards, monitoring requirements, or infrastructure investments related to water consumption and recycling. This matters for data center development in New York because water management has become an increasingly significant issue as data centers expand their presence in the state, and new stewardship requirements could influence facility design, operating costs, and project viability. The bill has been referred to the Environmental Conservation committee, where it will undergo review and discussion before any further legislative action. The medium-confidence anti-sentiment classification suggests that policy analysts expect the bill to create operational constraints or compliance burdens for the data center industry, though the actual impact will depend on the specific requirements once the full text is available.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on the bill's title and its current legislative status. According to its title, the bill would establish host community benefits for situations where data centers are expanded or newly placed in New York communities. Host community benefits are typically financial payments, tax incentives, or other compensation mechanisms designed to offset the impacts of major industrial projects on local areas and to encourage development by sharing project benefits with affected residents and municipalities. This legislation would likely affect data center operators, the communities where they seek to build or expand facilities, and potentially local governments that would negotiate or receive these benefits. For New York's data center industry, such a law could facilitate expansion and new facility development by making projects more attractive to host communities that might otherwise face opposition due to concerns about energy consumption, cooling water use, or other environmental impacts. The bill has been delivered to the New York State Senate, indicating it has passed an initial legislative chamber and is now under consideration for a second reading or vote.

The full text of this bill was not available at the time of this summary. Based on its title, "Stop Subsidizing Data Centers Act," the legislation appears designed to eliminate or restrict financial incentives and subsidies currently offered to data center operators in New York. This bill would likely affect data center companies seeking to locate or expand operations in the state, as well as state and local governments that currently provide tax breaks, grants, or other economic development incentives to attract such facilities. The bill matters for New York's data center development strategy because subsidies have been a key tool for states competing to attract large technology infrastructure projects, and restricting them could significantly alter the state's competitiveness in this sector. The legislation could also interest communities concerned about data center expansion, as it represents a policy shift away from using public funds to encourage such development. As of the latest action on print number 10852B, the bill remains in the legislative process and has not yet been enacted into law.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based solely on its title and latest legislative action. Based on its title, the Stop Subsidizing Data Centers Act appears designed to eliminate or reduce financial incentives, tax breaks, or other subsidies that New York currently provides to data center operators and developers. The bill would likely affect data center companies operating or planning to operate in New York, as well as state and local governments that have offered these incentive packages. This legislation matters for data center development in New York because subsidies have been a key tool to attract data center investment to the state, and removing them could significantly change the economics of locating new facilities or expanding existing ones in the jurisdiction. The bill's anti-subsidy stance reflects concerns about the public cost of these incentives relative to their economic benefits, or broader opposition to using taxpayer funds to support private industry development. As of its latest action, Print Number 9182B, the bill remains in the legislative process and has not yet become law.

The full text of this New York bill was not available for review at the time of this summary. Based on its title, "Accountability of Costs for Data Centers Act," the legislation appears designed to establish financial responsibility and accountability measures for data center operators, likely addressing how costs associated with data center development and operations are allocated or managed. The bill would primarily affect data center operators and developers in New York, as well as potentially local governments and communities where data centers are sited. This legislation matters for data center development in New York because cost accountability measures could influence the financial feasibility of new projects, affect competition among operators, or shift expenses related to infrastructure, environmental mitigation, or community impacts. The bill's current status is Print Number 8540A, indicating it remains in early legislative proceedings. Further details about specific cost provisions, fee structures, or accountability mechanisms cannot be determined without access to the full legislative text.

The full text of this New York bill was not available for this summary, so the following overview is based solely on the bill's title and latest legislative action. The legislation appears designed to establish or modify regulatory requirements governing how much energy data centers consume in New York State. While the title does not specify whether the bill would impose strict efficiency standards, create incentives for reduced consumption, or take another regulatory approach, the focus on energy consumption suggests policymakers are addressing the substantial power demands of data center operations. This legislation likely affects both existing and prospective data center operators in New York, as well as energy providers and communities hosting these facilities. The bill matters because data center energy consumption significantly impacts utility infrastructure, electricity costs, and environmental sustainability goals, making it a key consideration for future data center development approvals and operations in the state. As of its latest action, the bill carries print number 6394B, indicating it remains in the legislative process, though without access to the full text it is unclear how far it has advanced or when it might receive a vote.

This New York legislation, formally titled the "Accountability of Costs for Data Centers Act" or "AC/DC Act," would require electric corporations, gas corporations, and municipalities to establish separate rate classifications specifically for large energy-use facilities like data centers, distinct from standard commercial or industrial classifications. Under the bill, all costs directly associated with serving these high-consumption facilities, including infrastructure upgrades, operational expenses, and return on investment, would be assigned entirely to the data center classification rather than spread across other customer classes. The measure aims to prevent data centers from benefiting from cost-sharing arrangements that would otherwise pass some of their expenses to residential and small business customers. As of its latest action in September 2025, the bill has been amended on third reading and remains in committee, indicating it is still under active legislative consideration with substantial support from 45 cosponsors. The legislation represents a significant shift in how data center energy costs are allocated in New York and could substantially increase operating expenses for the industry while protecting other utility customers from subsidy obligations.

The full text of this New York bill was not available for review, so this summary is based solely on the bill's title and its current legislative status. Based on its title, the bill would establish regulatory requirements governing energy consumption by data centers operating in New York State. While the specific provisions cannot be determined without access to the complete text, such legislation typically imposes efficiency standards, reporting requirements, or operational restrictions on data center facilities. This bill would likely affect data center operators, technology companies, and other entities that own or operate such facilities in the state, as well as potentially influencing real estate developers and property owners considering data center projects. The legislation matters for New York's data center development because energy consumption regulations can significantly impact the feasibility and cost of operating these facilities, potentially influencing investment decisions and the state's competitiveness in attracting data center projects. As of the latest available information, the bill is at print number 9086B in the legislative process, indicating it remains in active consideration but has not yet become law.

Bill A11560, the Responsible Data Center Development Act, would establish a one-year moratorium on state permits for large data centers (those with peak demand of 20 megawatts or more) while the state develops new regulatory frameworks. The legislation would amend multiple state laws to require utility companies to create independent service classifications for large data centers, establish energy efficiency standards for these facilities, guarantee community benefits for host municipalities, and set labor standards for data center construction projects. The bill defines data centers broadly to include computing infrastructure, data processing services, web hosting, and streaming support services that draw significant power from existing utility grids, though it exempts research institutions. The moratorium and accompanying regulations aim to balance economic development with environmental and workforce concerns by giving New York time to assess the infrastructure impacts of data center expansion before issuing new permits. The bill has passed the Assembly Rules Committee and is currently being considered by the full legislature, with a companion bill (S10642) pending in the Senate, suggesting bipartisan support from multiple legislators. If enacted, the law would significantly reshape how data centers operate in New York by imposing stricter oversight and requiring developers to address community impacts and labor protections.

The full text of this bill was not available for this summary. Based on its title, the Responsible Data Center Development Act appears designed to establish a regulatory framework governing how data centers are developed and operated in New York. The bill's focus on "responsible" development suggests it aims to balance data center growth with other considerations such as environmental impact, community effects, or infrastructure capacity, though the specific provisions cannot be confirmed without access to the legislation. This legislation would likely affect data center operators, technology companies, local governments, and communities in areas where data centers are proposed or currently operate. The bill matters because New York State hosts significant data center infrastructure and faces ongoing tension between economic development opportunities and concerns about energy consumption, cooling water usage, and local impacts. The legislation is currently inactive in its original form, having been substituted by Assembly Bill A11560, meaning lawmakers have replaced it with alternative language that may reflect compromises or refinements to the policy approach.

North Carolina's Senate Bill 1026 would establish a specialized regulatory framework for large electricity customers consuming 50 megawatts or more of power by requiring electric utilities to file Commission-approved tariffs with standardized terms for these high-demand operations. The bill defines tiered service categories, with "very large-load customers" consuming 100 megawatts or more subject to additional requirements, and mandates that such tariffs include long-term contracts (minimum 20 years), upfront infrastructure costs paid by the customer, financial assurances protecting other ratepayers, and exit fees for early termination or reduced usage. For data center operators and other industrial facilities considering North Carolina locations, the bill would create predictable, cost-based rates while shifting infrastructure investment burdens to the customer, potentially making projects more expensive upfront but offering rate certainty over two decades. The bill currently shows a status of "withdrawn from committee," indicating it has stalled in the legislative process and may not advance further in its current form, though the withdrawal does not necessarily preclude future reintroduction. The medium confidence in the pro-development classification reflects both the bill's stated intention to integrate large loads into the rate structure and the uncertainty created by its withdrawn status regarding whether the final framework would actually encourage or discourage major industrial facility investment in the state.

The full text of this Ohio bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on the bill title and its current legislative status. The legislation would prohibit the state from granting new sales tax exemptions to data center projects going forward, though it does not specify whether existing exemptions would be affected. This bill would primarily impact data center companies considering expansion or new facility development in Ohio, as well as local communities that may compete to attract these facilities. The measure reflects a policy shift toward reducing financial incentives for data center investment, potentially making Ohio less competitive compared to other states that offer such tax benefits. Proponents of such restrictions typically argue that data centers do not generate sufficient local economic benefits to justify foregone tax revenue, while opponents contend that removing incentives could discourage facility development and related job creation. The bill is currently in the committee stage, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full legislature.

House Bill 646 would establish a Data Center Study Commission in Ohio's Department of Development to examine the rapid expansion of data centers in the state. The thirteen-member commission, appointed by the Governor, legislative leaders, and minority party leaders, would investigate eight specified areas of concern including environmental impacts, effects on the electrical grid and water supplies, noise and light pollution, economic effects, farmland impacts, and national security considerations, while also examining claims about foreign propaganda campaigns against data center development. The commission would be required to hold at least four public meetings within six months, including sessions for public testimony and expert presentations, before submitting findings and legislative recommendations to state officials. The bill's emergency declaration emphasizes that rapid data center proliferation is occurring without adequate regulatory structures or public information, creating uncertainty for both local communities evaluating development proposals and investors seeking to establish facilities in Ohio. The measure was recently recommitted, meaning it has been sent back to a committee for further consideration rather than advancing directly to a floor vote. If enacted, this study commission would not directly approve, restrict, or incentivize data center development but would serve as an information-gathering mechanism to inform future policy decisions on how Ohio addresses this emerging industry.

HB 3621 would create the Oklahoma State Data Center as a new agency within state government and place it under the administrative direction of the Legislative Service Bureau. The center would serve as the official state hub for population research and census-related activities, taking on responsibilities including the preparation and maintenance of demographic statistics, coordination with the U.S. Census Bureau, assistance with legislative redistricting efforts, and management of Geographic Information System data for the state. The bill specifies 13 core responsibilities for the center ranging from providing annual population reports to the Governor and Legislature to overseeing census outreach and coordinating with federal agencies on boundary and school district mapping. While titled as relating to a "data center," this legislation focuses on demographic research and census coordination rather than on computing infrastructure or technology development. The bill is currently referred to the Appropriations Committee, suggesting it may require budget allocation for staffing and operations. If enacted, the measure would take effect on November 1, 2026.

Oklahoma House Bill 3620 would establish a 2030 Census Complete Count Committee tasked with ensuring a comprehensive population count for the decennial census. The 16-member committee would include legislators from both chambers and parties, representatives from state and local governments, nonprofit and private organizations, and members of ethnic and language minority groups, all appointed by legislative leadership and the Governor. The committee would be supported by staff from the State Data Center at the Legislative Services Bureau and would be responsible for developing and implementing outreach campaigns, setting annual census goals, reaching hard-to-count populations, and making recommendations to state leadership. The bill specifies operational details including membership selection, travel reimbursement procedures, quorum requirements, and a deadline for the first meeting by July 1, 2027. The legislation is currently referred to the Oklahoma Appropriations Committee, indicating it is in the early-to-middle stages of the legislative process. Though the bill title mentions "State Data Center," it concerns administrative coordination for Census Bureau operations rather than data center infrastructure development or regulation.

Oklahoma House Bill 2992, approved by Governor Kevin Stitt on May 11, 2026, establishes the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026 and becomes effective November 1, 2026. The bill excerpt provided does not detail the specific provisions, protections, or regulations that would be implemented under this act, as the operative text beyond the title and effective date sections is not included in the available materials. Based on the legislative title and naming convention, the legislation appears designed to address consumer and ratepayer concerns related to data center operations in Oklahoma, potentially including provisions regarding utility costs, service reliability, or other consumer protections connected to data center development and operations. The actual substance and scope of these protections, along with specific impacts on the data center industry and utility customers, remain unclear from the limited text provided. For industry professionals and affected residents seeking details on rate structures, service requirements, or regulatory obligations, the full legislative text would be necessary to understand the precise mechanisms and requirements of the act. The bill's passage indicates Oklahoma lawmakers prioritized consumer protection considerations in the context of expanding data center operations within the state.

The full text of this bill was not available for this summary, so the following overview is based solely on its title and legislative history. Pennsylvania appears to be considering legislation that would require data centers to submit annual reports documenting their energy and water consumption, with financial penalties for non-compliance or failure to report. The bill has been referred to the Environmental Resources & Energy Committee, suggesting it is framed as an environmental and resource management measure. Data center operators in Pennsylvania would be the primary entities affected by these reporting requirements, which could increase their administrative and compliance costs. For Pennsylvania's data center industry, such mandatory reporting could influence where companies choose to locate facilities and expand operations, as reporting requirements represent an additional regulatory consideration alongside other state policies. The bill is currently in committee review and has not yet advanced to a floor vote in either chamber of the Pennsylvania legislature.

This Pennsylvania bill would direct the state's Center for Local Government Services to develop and publish a model zoning ordinance that municipalities can use to regulate data center development within their boundaries. The model ordinance would establish standards for data center placement, including dimensional requirements, setback distances from residential areas, visual screening methods, noise limits, and requirements for water and electric capacity documentation. The bill specifically requires that the model ordinance include provisions promoting community benefits agreements that support local workforce participation in data center construction, including the use of registered apprenticeship programs and skilled labor. The legislation affects Pennsylvania municipalities ranging from cities to townships and counties, providing them with a template to manage data center projects while balancing development and community impact concerns. The bill has been referred to the Local Government Committee as of its latest action in April 2026, indicating it remains in the early legislative process. The measure appears designed to facilitate data center development across Pennsylvania while establishing consistent standards for environmental protection, infrastructure capacity, and local employment benefits.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2246 would establish a new regulatory framework specifically for "covered data centers" under the state's water resources management laws, giving the Department of Environmental Protection authority to require water use notifications, reporting, and additional permit conditions for data center projects. The bill requires data center developers to notify the state before construction and submit detailed information about their water needs, projected usage, and the water sources they plan to use, with the department having 30 days to assess whether adequate water is available at proposed sites. When issuing permits, the state must verify that data center water use will not harm water quality, quantity, or affordability for public water systems, private well owners, and other existing water users, while also requiring consideration of water conservation technologies such as recycling systems, reclaimed water use, and closed-loop cooling systems. The legislation allows the department to deny permits if there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of adverse impact to other water users or the state's waters, and requires ongoing monitoring of water sources after projects begin operation, as well as coordination with river basin commissions where applicable. This bill matters for Pennsylvania's data center industry because it creates a pre-development screening process and stricter environmental protections that could slow permitting timelines and increase compliance costs, potentially affecting where and how data centers can be built in the state. The bill was referred to the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on February 25, 2026, and appears designed to balance data center development with protection of the state's water resources in regions where such facilities might compete with other users for limited water supplies.

The full text of this bill was not available for this summary, so the following overview is based only on the bill title and legislative action. This Pennsylvania legislation would amend the state's Municipalities Planning Code to create new rules specifically governing commercial data centers, including requirements for comprehensive planning elements and zoning procedures. The bill appears designed to streamline the permitting and approval process for data center development by establishing clear regulatory standards and pathways rather than leaving decisions to case-by-case municipal discretion. The changes would likely affect data center companies seeking to build or expand facilities in Pennsylvania, as well as local municipalities responsible for land use planning and zoning decisions. For Pennsylvania's data center industry, the legislation matters because it could reduce uncertainty and accelerate project approvals by providing predictable statewide standards, though the bill also includes provisions aimed at protecting agricultural lands. As of the latest action, the bill has been referred to the Local Government Committee, meaning it remains in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been debated or voted on by a full chamber.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on the bill's title and its current legislative status. Based on its title, the bill would require commercial data centers in Pennsylvania to provide public transparency regarding their energy consumption, water use, and noise pollution levels, while establishing enforcement responsibilities across the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation, and the Office of Attorney General. The legislation would create civil penalties for noncompliance with these disclosure and operational requirements. This bill would directly affect commercial data center operators planning or expanding facilities in Pennsylvania, as it would impose new reporting obligations and potential financial liability. The measure is relevant to Pennsylvania's data center development landscape because it reflects growing public concern about the environmental and quality-of-life impacts of large-scale data infrastructure, particularly in residential or sensitive areas. The bill is currently referred to the Energy committee, where it will be evaluated before potential advancement to further legislative consideration.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based solely on its title and legislative history. The proposed legislation would amend Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to allow local governments the option to impose temporary moratoriums on accepting or reviewing applications for "high impact data centers," a term that suggests the bill targets large-scale data center projects with significant community effects. This measure would give individual municipalities the discretionary power to pause new data center development in their jurisdictions, potentially for extended periods while communities assess local impacts or develop regulatory frameworks. The bill affects data center developers and operators seeking to expand operations in Pennsylvania, as well as municipalities that wish to slow or control such development in their areas. For Pennsylvania's data center industry, this legislation represents a potential obstacle to rapid expansion, as it could fragment approval processes across the state and create uncertainty for projects in the planning stage. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been referred to the Local Government Committee.

The full text of this Pennsylvania bill was not available for review, so this summary is based on the bill's title and legislative history. The legislation appears to repeal an existing tax incentive program that has previously provided favorable treatment to computer data center equipment, while simultaneously transferring tax authority over certain sales of computer data equipment. This change would directly affect data center operators and businesses planning to establish or expand facilities in Pennsylvania, as it would eliminate tax benefits they currently receive or could have claimed. The bill matters significantly for data center development because tax incentives have historically been a key factor in attracting data center investments to states, and their removal could make Pennsylvania less competitive compared to other jurisdictions offering such incentives. The proposed changes could also affect state revenue, which appears to be connected to the establishment of a restricted account in the Motor License Fund, though the specific revenue allocation is unclear without the full bill text. As of its latest action, the bill has been referred to the Finance Committee for review.

The full text of this bill was not available at the time of this summary, so this overview is based solely on the bill's title and legislative history. This Pennsylvania bill proposes amendments to the state's Tax Reform Code of 1971 that would modify the Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program by revising application procedures for certification and adjusting eligibility requirements for both sales and use tax refunds and exemptions related to data center equipment purchases. The legislation would directly benefit data center operators and developers by reducing their tax burden on equipment investments through refunds and exemptions on sales and use taxes. These financial incentives are designed to encourage data center development and investment in Pennsylvania by lowering the cost of establishing or expanding facilities in the state. The bill is currently in the Finance Committee, where it will receive detailed review before moving forward in the legislative process. Stakeholders including data center companies, equipment vendors, local governments, and taxpayer advocacy groups may have interest in how these tax incentives are structured and what eligibility standards are ultimately established.

The full text of this bill was not available for this analysis, so this summary is based solely on the bill's title and legislative history. According to its title, the legislation would repeal existing tax incentive programs for computer data center equipment under Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971, eliminate certain tax breaks associated with data center equipment sales, and redirect tax revenue previously allocated to data centers toward the Motor License Fund. The bill would directly affect data center operators and developers currently benefiting from state tax incentives, as well as companies considering locating or expanding facilities in Pennsylvania. For the state's data center industry, the changes represent a significant shift in policy, as eliminating these tax incentives could reduce the financial competitiveness of Pennsylvania as a location for data center investment compared to other states with active incentive programs. The bill is currently referred to the Finance Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further legislative action. Given that the full text was unavailable for this summary, readers should note that the specific details of which incentive programs would be repealed and how the tax transfer would be structured remain unclear from the title alone.

The full text of this bill was not available at the time of this summary. Based on its title and current legislative status, this bill would establish a statewide moratorium on the development and permitting of hyperscale data centers in Pennsylvania, effectively freezing new large-scale data center projects across the state. The bill likely affects technology companies, data center operators, and real estate developers who have planned or are considering hyperscale facility investments in Pennsylvania, as well as municipalities that would normally have authority over such projects. For Pennsylvania's data center industry, this moratorium would represent a significant constraint on growth and expansion during the period it remains in effect, potentially redirecting investment to neighboring states with more permissive regulatory environments. The bill's current referral to the Local Government committee suggests it may be considered through the lens of municipal planning and zoning authority, though a statewide moratorium would override typical local decision-making processes. Without access to the full text, the duration of the proposed moratorium and any potential exceptions or conditions cannot be determined from the title alone. This legislation reflects growing concerns among some stakeholders about the rapid expansion of data center development, though the full rationale and scope of those concerns are not evident from the available information.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2650 would fundamentally restructure the state's tax incentive program for computer data centers by phasing out the existing Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program and replacing it with a new "Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development" (GRID) certification program that imposes clean energy requirements on participating facilities. Under the new framework, data centers seeking tax benefits would be required to procure "clean firm energy"—electricity from sources including nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, wind, geothermal, fuel cells, and battery storage systems—either through direct procurement or by making alternative compliance payments to the Pennsylvania Economic Development Authority based on the cost of solar photovoltaic technology. The bill affects data center operators, technology companies considering Pennsylvania locations, and energy providers, while it matters to the state because it ties economic development incentives to clean energy goals, potentially positioning Pennsylvania as an environmentally conscious hub for data center investment while also generating revenue through compliance payments. The legislation reflects a shift toward conditioning business tax benefits on sustainability standards rather than offering unconditional incentives. Currently, the bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee, where it will undergo further review and debate before moving toward potential amendment or passage. The bipartisan sponsorship from multiple House members suggests some level of legislative support for linking infrastructure development to environmental responsibility.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2198 would repeal Article XXIX-D of the Tax Reform Code of 1971, eliminating the Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program that has provided tax benefits to data center operators and developers in the state. The repealed program offered tax incentives for computer data center equipment, including servers, cooling systems, power infrastructure, software, and related equipment, as well as construction and expansion of data center facilities, with qualification periods extending up to 15 years. The bill affects data center owners, operators, and tenants who have relied on these tax incentives to reduce operational and capital costs, potentially making Pennsylvania a less attractive location for data center investment and expansion compared to states with competing incentive programs. The legislation was introduced in February 2026 with broad bipartisan support from 34 House members and was amended in June 2026 before being referred to the Finance Committee, where its current status remains pending. While the bill title indicates it will provide "in general provisions" for data centers, the actual text excerpt focuses on repealing the existing incentive program without showing replacement provisions, suggesting a net reduction in state support for the industry. The repeal could have significant implications for Pennsylvania's competitiveness in attracting data center investment, which has become increasingly important as major technology companies expand their infrastructure nationwide.

This Pennsylvania bill would allow individual municipalities to temporarily halt the review and approval of new data center development applications for up to 180 days, giving local governments time to study the impact of such facilities and potentially update their zoning and land use regulations. During an imposed pause, the statutory timelines for reviewing data center applications would be suspended and restarted after the pause expires, while applications submitted before the pause took effect would continue under the existing rules that were in place when they were submitted. Municipalities would be prohibited from using emergency procedures to bypass the pause, and they could not impose another pause on data centers for at least 18 months after the first one expires. The bill explicitly preserves municipal authority to adopt stricter regulations on data centers regarding environmental standards, infrastructure impacts, noise, lighting, and other land use concerns, and does not prevent municipalities from denying applications that violate local ordinances. The legislation affects developers, municipalities, and residents concerned about large-scale data center development, as it shifts decision-making power toward local communities that may want to better understand or restrict such projects. Currently re-referred to the Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, the bill reflects growing concern about rapid data center expansion and its potential impacts on local infrastructure, water resources, and community character.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2359 amends the state's computer data center equipment incentive program by modifying tax incentive structures and adding new community protection requirements for data center operators. The bill revises definitions, application procedures, and eligibility requirements for both sales and use tax refund and exemption programs that help offset costs for data center development. A significant addition requires data center owners or operators to complete a community protection plan within one year of certification, which must document notifications to local municipalities, at least one public meeting with community members, consultation with elected officials, and detailed information about the facility's physical footprint and energy generation plans. These new provisions represent an effort to balance Pennsylvania's desire to attract data center investment through tax incentives with growing concerns about local impacts from large industrial facilities. The bill was introduced in April 2026 with broad bipartisan sponsorship and was amended in June 2026 before being referred to the House Finance Committee, where it currently awaits further consideration. If passed, the legislation would likely make Pennsylvania more competitive for data center projects while establishing baseline community engagement and transparency standards for operators seeking to benefit from state tax incentives.

Senate Bill 1384 would fundamentally restructure Pennsylvania's tax incentive program for computer data centers by eliminating the existing Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program and replacing it with a new "Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development" (GRID) certification and standards framework. The bill stops the Department of Revenue from certifying any new data centers under the current program as of the bill's effective date and establishes a new certification system with strict requirements, including mandatory procurement of "clean firm energy" from renewable and nuclear sources or alternative compliance payments to the Pennsylvania Economic Development Authority. The legislation expands the definition of "tax benefit" in the Tax Reform Code to include the new GRID program, creating a structured approach to data center tax incentives that ties financial benefits directly to environmental performance standards rather than equipment-based deductions. The bill affects existing and prospective data center operators in Pennsylvania who would need to meet the new clean energy requirements to qualify for tax benefits, while also impacting the state's ability to compete for data center projects without the simpler incentive structure currently in place. This represents a significant shift toward conditioning economic development incentives on environmental compliance, reflecting policy priorities around energy sustainability in infrastructure development. The bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee in July 2026 and would require legislative passage and gubernatorial signature to become law.

This Pennsylvania bill would amend the state's Municipalities Planning Code to permit local governments to temporarily halt the acceptance and consideration of new applications for "high impact data centers" through municipal ordinance or resolution. The moratorium would be optional for municipalities and could last no longer than 18 months from the effective date, during which time the municipality must conduct planning activities such as infrastructure assessments, public safety analysis, and environmental evaluations to inform future zoning decisions about data centers. The moratorium would apply to various types of applications related to data center projects, including zoning amendments, conditional use permits, variances, and building permits, but would not affect existing data center facilities, routine maintenance, or applications unrelated to data centers. Municipalities must hold a public hearing before imposing a moratorium and must document findings explaining why the moratorium is necessary and how it relates to their planning activities. The bill has advanced to second consideration in the Pennsylvania Senate, indicating it is in the mid-stage of the legislative process. The measure reflects growing local concern about the impacts of data center development on municipal infrastructure and community resources, giving communities a temporary tool to study such impacts before making permanent zoning decisions.

Senate Bill 1408, the Data Center Nondisclosure Agreement Prohibition Act, would prevent Pennsylvania's public agencies from entering into confidentiality agreements with data center owners or operators that restrict the public disclosure of information about data center projects, including their construction, development, location, or the terms of related agreements. The bill defines data centers as facilities housing servers or data storage systems equipped with backup power supplies and cooling infrastructure, and applies to both state Commonwealth agencies and local agencies under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. If enacted, any agreement that violates this prohibition would be declared void and unenforceable, ensuring that information about data center projects cannot be kept confidential through contractual agreements. The legislation addresses a transparency issue that has become increasingly relevant as data center development accelerates across the state, ensuring residents and local communities have access to information about these major projects in their areas. Currently referred to the Communications and Technology Committee, the bill represents an effort to balance economic development with public accountability, though it does not restrict data center development itself but rather the ability to keep such projects secret through nondisclosure agreements. The measure takes effect 60 days after passage if approved.

The full text of this legislation was not available for review, so this summary is based on the bill's title and enactment status. Public Chapter 961 amends Tennessee law to generally prohibit municipalities and electric utilities from paying for or absorbing the costs of electrical infrastructure needed to serve data centers, meaning data center operators would be responsible for these expenses rather than local governments or utility companies. The law affects data center developers and operators, local municipalities, and electric utilities across Tennessee, particularly those involved in planning or funding power infrastructure projects. For the data center industry, this change could significantly lower project development costs and financial barriers, potentially making Tennessee a more attractive location for new data center investments. The measure shifts infrastructure investment responsibility from public entities to private operators, which some proponents argue creates more efficient market incentives while others may view as reducing public control over infrastructure development. The bill became effective law in Tennessee and represents a substantial change to how electrical infrastructure costs are allocated in data center projects within the state.

The full text of this bill was not available for review, so this summary is based solely on the bill's title and enactment status. Tennessee Public Chapter 961 prohibits municipalities and electric utilities from paying for or absorbing the costs of electrical infrastructure needed to serve data centers, effectively requiring data center developers to fund these infrastructure improvements themselves. The legislation affects local governments, utility companies, and data center developers operating in Tennessee, and it modifies state law across multiple titles including those governing utilities, municipal powers, and commerce. For the data center industry, this bill removes a significant financial incentive that some jurisdictions might have offered to attract data center projects, which could make Tennessee less competitive for certain data center investments while potentially protecting ratepayers from subsidizing private infrastructure. The bill has been enacted into law as of its passage as Public Chapter 961, making it currently binding in Tennessee. Stakeholders including utility regulators, municipal leaders, and data center companies may need to adjust their infrastructure planning and financial models in response to this new requirement.

H.727, titled the Vermont Sustainable Data Centers Act, would have established a comprehensive regulatory framework for data center development in Vermont by requiring the Public Utility Commission to create a separate ratepayer class and tariff structure for data centers, ensuring that these facilities pay their proportional share of electricity infrastructure costs rather than shifting expenses to residential and business ratepayers. The bill would have mandated that data centers enter into long-term contracts (minimum 10 years) with electric utilities that include minimum payment obligations, collateral requirements, and charges for excess demand, while also requiring Commission approval through a Certificate of Public Good process that would evaluate whether proposed facilities promote the general good of the state without unduly interfering with regional development or harming the reliability of Vermont's electric system. The legislation would directly affect any data center facility using 20 megawatts or more of power in Vermont, as well as existing ratepayers in the state who could potentially benefit from cost protections. The bill mattered significantly for Vermont's data center industry because it represented an attempt to balance economic development opportunities with protections for consumers and the environment, addressing concerns that large data centers might strain electrical infrastructure and burden other utility customers. However, the Governor vetoed the bill, and on the most recent legislative action, that veto was sustained by the Vermont House with a vote of 83 to 52, meaning the measure will not become law. The sustained veto suggests that a majority of lawmakers voted to reject the regulatory restrictions the bill would have imposed on data center deployment, likely reflecting concerns that such requirements might discourage investment in the sector or impose excessive compliance burdens on the industry.

Virginia Senate Bill 521 would require new data centers and substantially expanded data centers (those growing by more than 10 percent in footprint) to install rainwater harvesting systems capable of capturing runoff from at least 30 percent of the facility's roof area. The harvested rainwater would be directed toward non-potable uses such as irrigation or cooling systems rather than potable water applications. The bill establishes detailed definitions of key terms including "data center," "rainwater harvesting system," and "non-potable water," and requires that any system installed under this requirement be designed, installed, and periodically inspected by a person certified by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering to meet safety and performance standards. The legislation would be enforced and regulated by the Board of Health in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Quality, which would have authority to develop additional rules as needed. The bill was introduced on January 14, 2026, referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, and continues from the previous legislative session, meaning it has not yet moved through committee or received a floor vote. This measure reflects Virginia's effort to balance data center growth with water conservation and environmental management goals by linking operational requirements to infrastructure expansion in the state.

Senate Bill 336 directs Virginia's State Corporation Commission to study whether the state should require data centers to limit their use of Tier 2 emergency generators, which are older and produce higher emissions, and instead prioritize cleaner Tier 4 equivalent or better generators. The evaluation would examine the environmental and economic impacts of restricting Tier 2 generator use to only sudden, unforeseeable outages rather than planned maintenance events, and would assess the feasibility of requiring data centers to retrofit at least 20 percent of their Tier 2 generator fleet annually over five years until their entire fleet meets newer emissions standards. The State Corporation Commission would also research how other states regulate data center generators and how Virginia's own medical centers and public universities currently manage their generator fleets for comparison purposes. This bill affects the data center industry in Virginia by potentially establishing stricter emission standards for backup power systems, which are critical infrastructure at large data facilities. The Commission must submit its findings and recommendations to relevant legislative committees by October 15, 2026, meaning the study phase is underway as the bill was continued from the previous legislative session. The neutral classification reflects that the bill authorizes only a study and evaluation rather than implementing any immediate restrictions or mandates on the industry.

House Bill 641 would establish Virginia's Great Outdoors Act and create a new data center land conservation tax designed to fund land preservation and conservation efforts across the state. Beginning July 1, 2028, the legislation would require that no less than $250 million in annual revenues from this specialized tax on data center properties be distributed to support protection and preservation of ecologically, culturally, or historically important lands, recreational areas, and working farm and forest lands. The bill would also establish a Virginia Tribal Commitment Fund to support tribal nation building, cultural revitalization, and tribal land acquisition using a portion of the tax revenues. This measure directly affects data center developers and operators in Virginia by imposing a dedicated tax burden on their industry to finance state conservation programs, making Virginia a less competitive location for data center investment compared to states without such targeted levies. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and referred to the House Committee on Finance, where it remains under consideration, having been continued from a previous legislative session. For industry stakeholders, the passage of this legislation would represent a significant structural cost increase for new and existing data center projects in the Commonwealth.

Senate Bill 93, introduced in Virginia's 2027 session, proposes amendments to the state's tax code regarding how banks that operate as tenants within data centers are taxed. The bill would modify sections 58.1-609.3 and 58.1-1203 of the Code of Virginia, which govern bank franchise taxes and sales and use taxes on tangible personal property. While the provided bill excerpt focuses on general commercial and industrial tax exemptions rather than the specific data center provisions, the measure addresses a definitional or procedural gap in how existing tax law applies to financial institutions leasing space in data center facilities. The bill is sponsored by Senator Jennifer Roem and Delegate Elizabeth Maldonado and was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations in January 2026. For the data center industry in Virginia, clarifying the tax treatment of bank tenants could affect operating costs and the financial incentives for locating facilities in the state, though the bill appears designed to clarify tax obligations rather than create new incentives or restrictions. The bill has been continued from the previous legislative session and remains pending before the Finance and Appropriations Committee.

Senate Bill 466, introduced in Virginia's 2027 legislative session, proposes to amend the state's electric utility rate regulation framework to address cost recovery for utilities serving data center customers. The bill modifies Section 56-585.1 of the Virginia Code, which governs how the State Corporation Commission reviews and sets rates for investor-owned electric utilities, though the specific amendments related to data centers are not fully visible in the provided excerpt. By clarifying cost recovery mechanisms, the bill aims to ensure that electric utilities can sustainably absorb the substantial infrastructure investments and operational costs required to serve data center facilities, which typically demand high-capacity, reliable power delivery. Data centers represent significant economic development opportunities for Virginia and require substantial upgrades to electrical distribution systems, making predictable cost recovery essential for utilities to justify these investments. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor after its introduction in January 2026 and has been carried over from the previous legislative session, indicating ongoing deliberation about how to balance utility profitability with the state's interest in attracting data center development.

House Bill 1515 would impose a temporary moratorium on local approval of new data center projects in Virginia by prohibiting localities from granting final approval for rezoning, special exceptions, special use permits, site plans, or plans of development related to data center siting until specific conditions are met. The moratorium would remain in effect until the earlier of two dates: either when all pending interconnection requests to electric utilities by data center customers are fulfilled, or July 1, 2028, whichever comes first. This measure directly affects data center developers and companies seeking to establish new facilities in Virginia, as well as local governments that currently have authority to approve such projects. The bill matters significantly for Virginia's data center industry because the state has become a major hub for data center development, particularly in Northern Virginia, and this moratorium could substantially delay or redirect planned projects depending on how quickly utility interconnection requests are processed. The bill was introduced on January 23, 2026, referred to the House Rules Committee, and has continued from the previous legislative session, indicating it remains under consideration. The legislation reflects growing concerns about the pace of data center expansion and its effects on local infrastructure, electricity capacity, and community resources.

Virginia House Bill 503, introduced in January 2026, would amend state utility rate-setting laws to allow electric utilities to recover costs substantially related to serving data center customers. The bill modifies Section 56-585.1 of the Virginia Code, which governs how the State Corporation Commission sets rates, terms, and conditions for investor-owned electric utilities' generation, distribution, and transmission services. By enabling utilities to pass through data center-specific infrastructure and operational costs to ratepayers or recover them through rate adjustments, the legislation reduces financial barriers that utilities might otherwise face when investing in the substantial electrical capacity and grid upgrades required to serve large data center operations. This cost recovery mechanism is intended to encourage utility infrastructure investment in data center service areas, which in turn facilitates data center development and expansion within Virginia. The bill was continued from the previous legislative session and referred to the House Committee on Labor and Commerce, where it currently awaits further action. For data center operators and the broader technology industry, this measure represents a streamlined regulatory pathway that could accelerate facility development by ensuring utilities have clear financial incentives to prioritize data center infrastructure projects.

House Bill 1132 would require Virginia counties, cities, and towns with at least 20 data centers to establish a local residential renewable energy incentive program funded by a portion of tax revenue generated from data center properties. Under the bill, localities would track the "base assessed value" of data center properties as of July 1, 2026, and direct revenues from increases in assessed value above that baseline into a dedicated incentive fund. These funds would be allocated in priority order to reduce residential utility bills, invest in renewable energy resources (particularly residential solar and battery storage), and provide reimbursements for tangible personal property taxes on electric vehicles and other qualifying property. The bill affects local governments in data center-heavy regions and their residential populations, creating a mechanism to redirect data center tax growth toward community renewable energy benefits rather than general local revenue. For the data center industry, this legislation represents a tax allocation policy rather than a direct restriction on development, as it does not limit data center growth but instead determines how a portion of resulting tax revenue is used. The bill was continued from the previous legislative session and remains pending in the current 2027 session, suggesting ongoing negotiations or procedural delays.

House Bill 591 would establish a formal policy statement for Virginia regarding data center operations, directing the state to balance the growth of the data center industry with concerns about grid reliability, energy costs, and renewable energy deployment. The bill outlines six policy goals, including promoting information sharing between data centers and grid operators, incentivizing demand response and energy storage systems, ensuring equitable infrastructure cost allocation to prevent burden on residential and small business ratepayers, requiring data centers to report energy and water usage data, and promoting security measures against foreign adversaries. The measure affects large-scale data center operators as well as residential and small business electricity consumers who could be impacted by infrastructure costs and grid strain from major data center development. For Virginia's data center industry, the bill represents an attempt to create a supportive regulatory framework while imposing modest operational expectations around energy management, reporting, and cost-sharing. The bill was engrossed during the 2027 session following House amendments on February 16, 2026, and appears to have continued from a previous legislative session, suggesting ongoing deliberation and potential refinement of its language. Given the bill's procedural nature and focus on policy coordination rather than prohibitive restrictions, it may serve as a foundation for future data center-related regulations while signaling the state's intent to position Virginia as a data center hub that operates responsibly.

Senate Bill 393 would establish Virginia's Great Outdoors Act and create a new data center land conservation tax to fund land protection and preservation efforts across the state. Beginning July 1, 2028, the legislation would dedicate no less than $250 million annually in revenues from this tax to support the acquisition and stewardship of lands with ecological, cultural, historical, or recreational value, as well as working farm and forest lands. The bill would also create a Virginia Tribal Commitment Fund to direct a portion of these revenues toward assisting Virginia tribes with nation building, cultural revitalization, land acquisition, and related purposes. For the data center industry, this represents a targeted financial obligation on new projects, which proponents argue would offset environmental and land use impacts while critics contend it discourages data center development in the state. The bill was introduced on January 14, 2026, referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, and has been carried over from the previous legislative session. Given the substantial annual commitment it would impose on data center operations, the bill's progress will likely be closely watched by both environmental advocates seeking dedicated conservation funding and by the technology and commercial real estate sectors concerned about increased project costs.

House Bill 607 would require Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality to conduct a three-year study examining the cumulative air pollution impacts of data center generators across areas with high concentrations of such facilities. The study would analyze how emissions from multiple generators approved individually under minor air permits interact and affect air quality collectively, considering various operational scenarios including planned outages, grid strain events, demand response use, and primary power supply operation. The Department's analysis would also evaluate geographic factors such as proximity to vulnerable populations like schools and hospitals, environmental justice communities, and temporal patterns including whether generator use coincides with high ozone days and the resulting public health impacts. By October 1, 2029, the Department must report its findings and recommendations to relevant legislative committees regarding how Virginia should handle future minor air permits for data center generators and whether increased air quality monitoring is needed. This legislation addresses concerns that individual permitting decisions have not accounted for the combined pollution effects of numerous generators operating in data center clusters, particularly in regions experiencing rapid data center development. The bill remains in the early stages, having been introduced in January 2026 and referred to committee, with its passage and implementation dependent on legislative action in future sessions.

Washington State's Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6231 removes a long-standing sales tax exemption for data center equipment replacement, effective June 11, 2026. The bill amends state tax law to eliminate the exemption for purchases of eligible server equipment, power infrastructure, and related installation services at computer data centers that currently qualified businesses and tenants could claim. According to the legislature's stated intent, the change is designed to increase revenue for the state's general fund to support essential services, as part of a broader effort to review Washington's 786 tax exemptions and ensure tax policy reflects the modern economy. The legislation will increase operating costs for data center operators and tenants who previously benefited from the exemption, potentially affecting the financial feasibility of new data center projects or expansions in Washington. Existing exemption certificates for refurbished data centers expire July 1, 2026, while new certificates for other qualifying data centers cannot be issued after July 1, 2036, with all exemptions under the program sunsetting by July 1, 2048. The bill has already advanced through the legislative process and is set to take effect in mid-2026, indicating it has secured sufficient support to move toward enactment.

The full text of this bill was not available for this summary. Based on its title and enactment as Chapter 221 of the 2026 Regular Session Acts, this West Virginia legislation authorizes the Department of Commerce to create formal certification processes for microgrid districts and high-impact data centers within the state. The bill likely affects data center developers, technology companies considering West Virginia locations, and municipal governments seeking to attract these facilities. By establishing certification pathways, the legislation appears designed to provide regulatory clarity and potentially streamline development approval processes for qualifying data center projects, which could make the state more competitive in attracting data center investment. The measure may also support related infrastructure development, particularly microgrids that can provide dedicated power supply to data centers. The bill has been enacted into law and is now in effect.