Impact Type: Environmental Impacts

Data center local decision protection act. (HB 6426, MI)

Requires applications to local government for data center permits etc. to include information including: energy and water usages, environmental impact, and regarding ownership. Additional information may be requested related to impacts. Application details that are not proprietary to be made public. Authorizes local government to take into account impacts on farmland, wetlands, and natural resources,…

Environmental Impacts, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts, Human Rights & Labor Exploitation, Public Health Impacts
A bill to amend 2006 PA 110, entitled “Michigan zoning enabling act,” by amending sections 205 and 606 (MCL 125.3205 and 125.3606), section 205 as amended by 2023 PA 234 and section 606 as amended by 2010 PA 330. (HB 6427, MI)

Adds the data center local decision protection act (HB 6426) as a law that local zoning ordinances are subject to.

Environmental Impacts, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts, Human Rights & Labor Exploitation, Public Health Impacts
Energy Cost Fairness and Reliability Act of 2026 (H.R.10579, US)

Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish standard interconnection procedures for large loads (esp. for data centers) requesting to interconnect to the interstate transmission system, including: requiring covering all costs of interconnection; assigning network upgrades; maintaining reliability; requiring demand flexibility; requiring large load customer to arrange for new generation to meet its demands; queue…

Environmental Impacts, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts, Human Rights & Labor Exploitation
A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on the future viability of data center technology and facilities. (SR369, PA)

Directs Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct study on data storage technology advancements and whether data centers will be needed at the size or level of current proposed development. Study to include: demand forecasting; technology trends; economic development; impact on energy and utilities, including land usage and environmental impact; risk of technology becoming obsolete;…

Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts
Data Crunch: How the AI Boom Threatens to Entrench Fossil Fuels and Compromise Climate Goals

Released by the Center for Biological Diversity, Data Crunch quantifies the GHG emissions of the projected AI data center buildout in the U.S. A massive expansion of data centers, set to be powered primarily by fracked gas, could account for 10% of the economy-wide emissions and 44% of the power sector emissions allowable to meet…

AI-Specific Risk Analysis, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts
Data Center Model Ordinance by Kentucky Resources Council

In response to public concerns about data center development in Kentucky, a Model Data Center Zoning Ordinance has been created to assist localities in regulating the siting and operation of large data centers. The ordinance aims to ensure responsible development while protecting landowners' rights and community quality of life, drawing on best practices from across…

Community & Social Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts, Public Health Impacts
Bills Protecting Ratepayers from Data Center Costs and Incentivizing Sustainable Tech Infrastructure Introduced

Two bills introduced in California aim to protect ratepayers from rising energy costs associated with data centers while promoting sustainable practices. Senate Bill 886 requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish a tariff to shield ratepayers from transmission costs, and Senate Bill 887 allows data centers meeting specific criteria to obtain Environmental Leadership Development Project…

Community & Social Impacts, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts
Lessons Learned for Data Center Regulation: A Conversation with Minnesota Advocates

Growing demand for data centers poses threats to energy affordability, grid reliability, and environmental quality. Minnesota has enacted HF 16 to regulate these impacts, eliminating tax exemptions and requiring clean energy standards. Key lessons for other states include establishing proactive regulations, mobilizing public sentiment against corporate influence, leveraging existing policy momentum, and ensuring enforceable standards…

Community & Social Impacts, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Environmental Justice, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts, Public Health Impacts
An Act amending Title 27 (Environmental Resources) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in water resources planning, providing for water conservation requirements for data centers. (SB1470, PA)

Requires data centers to make use of water conservation methods, and to submit plan for such to the Department of Environmental Protection for approval. Water services may not recover costs due to data centers from other customers.

Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts
Data Center Water Usage Study Act (SB1459, PA)

Requires proposed data center projects to submit analysis regarding water usage, quality, and supply sustainability by an independent third-party expert to municipality before submitting development application. Must be publicly available on request.

Environmental Impacts