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Entergy to Build Three Gas Plants for Meta’s Biggest Data Center
Entergy will construct three gas plants to support Meta's new 4 million-square-foot data center in Louisiana, which will demand up to 5 gigawatts of electricity. Meta aims to cover project costs without burdening grid customers and plans to add renewable energy sources. Concerns have been raised about potential increases in consumer bills and environmental impacts,…
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To avoid an AI data-center bubble, Washington must change how it works with US states – Atlantic Council
The US Senate's recent vote against a moratorium on state-level AI regulation highlights the need for improved coordination between federal and state governments regarding AI infrastructure. Local opposition has already delayed significant data center projects, complicating efforts to maintain US leadership in AI. The rapid expansion of data centers poses risks of oversupply and increased…
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A Political Battle Is Brewing Over Data Centers
A political battle is emerging over a proposed 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulation, which critics argue could facilitate the construction of data centers near residential areas without local input. Key figures, including Representative Thomas Massie, express concerns that this undermines local authority on zoning decisions. The National Conference of State Legislatures opposes the moratorium,…
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New Data Center Construction: Invited or Feared? | Data Center Frontier
This Data Center Frontier article compares two reports with conflicting findings on community attitudes toward data center construction: an Airedale/Modine survey showing 70% of Americans are comfortable with nearby data centers, and a Data Center Watch report documenting $64 billion in projects blocked or delayed by local opposition across 28 states. The piece highlights 142…
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Google withdraws rezoning proposal for 468-acre data center project in Franklin Township, Indiana – DCD
Google has withdrawn its proposal for a 468-acre data center in Franklin Township, Indiana, ahead of a planned council vote that was likely to deny the application. The decision follows local opposition due to environmental concerns and lack of transparency. Despite the withdrawal, activists remain vigilant as Google can refile the petition in three months.…
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Tax breaks for tech giants’ data centers mean less income for states
States are offering significant tax breaks to attract data centers, resulting in substantial revenue losses. While these incentives benefit large tech companies like Amazon and Google, they often do not create many permanent jobs and lead to increased energy demands. A Virginia study showed that for every dollar lost in sales tax, only 48 cents…
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Tools and Resources | US EPA
The EPA provides resources related to cumulative impacts, including an Interim Framework for incorporating these considerations into programs, prioritizing cumulative impacts research to improve community health, and legal tools for advancing environmental justice. Key initiatives include guidance for NEPA document reviews and the EJScreen tool for assessing environmental concerns in neighborhoods.
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The Environmental Justice Siting Law – NYSDEC
The Environmental Justice Siting Law requires consideration of pollution impacts on disadvantaged communities in environmental decision-making. It amends SEQRA and UPA regulations, mandating lead agencies to evaluate disproportionate pollution burdens and incorporate a new Disadvantaged Community Assessment Tool. The law also requires DEC to assess existing burdens during the permitting process for specific permits, ensuring…
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Data center payouts are huge. Saving farmland? Priceless
The expansion of data centers in rural America is threatening farmland as tech companies seek cost-effective locations for their operations. Farmers face lucrative offers to sell their land but often resist due to emotional ties and the impact on agriculture. This trend is leading to increased taxation, utility costs, and competition for resources like water.…
Exposing AI Data Center Threats and Harms