Impact Type: Public Health Impacts

A Bill … relating to large data centers; moratorium; approval requirements; prevailing wage required; public utility independent classifications; community investment program; report. (SB850, VA)

Places a one-year moratorium on the issuance of permits by the Department of Environmental Quality and by municipalities for large data centers. Prohibits Department from issuing approvals for large data centers unless it conducts public hearings with notice giving info about energy and water impacts and incentives and implements a community investment program for installing…

Community & Social Impacts, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Human Rights & Labor Exploitation, Public Health Impacts
Data Center Community Support and Compliance Act (HB2888, PA)

Requires large data centers to submit energy, water and sustainability plans to Department of Environmental Protection; regional benefits, and noise and vibration mitigation plans, and prior to operations or expansion, a community benefit plan and agreement, to be submitted to Department of Community and Economic Development (plan highlights below). Certification of compliance from both depts…

Community & Social Impacts, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Environmental Justice, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts, Public Health Impacts
Data Center Oversight Act (H.R.10950, US)

Require large data centers to file public disclosure statements with the Secretary of Energy, including costs for electricity upgrades and how they are financed; how rates for other customers are impacted; details of electricity generation; water usage and cooling systems; distance from schools, parks, and hospitals; labor arrangements; any NDAs. Information to be published in…

Community & Social Impacts, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts, Human Rights & Labor Exploitation, Public Health Impacts
An Act concerning data center development in the State. (S4659 / A5663, NJ)

Directs Department of Environmental Protection to conduct study on environmental impacts of data center development within 15 months, including: energy and water usage, grid and infrastructure impacts, air and noise pollution, land usage, e-waste, public health impacts, electricity rates and other fiscal impacts, energy efficiency, fossil fuels / renewable sources, disproportionate impacts on overburdened communities.…

Community & Social Impacts, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts, Public Health 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
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
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
Data center siting and community protection act (HB 6391, MI)

Large data centers must obtain site certificates before any permit etc. can be granted by local government or construction /modification begun. Process for certification: application submitted and reviewed by expert; local government makes written findings of (1) no material adverse effects with respect to sound, light, heat, reduction in agricultural productivity or quality of life…

Community & Social Impacts, Economic Impacts, Public Health Impacts
Commercial Data Center Water Protection Act (HB 2760, PA)

Requires data centers that pollute or diminish public or private water supplies to restore or replace the affected supply with an alternate source of water. Must meet prior quality standards or Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Impacted parties can initiate Department of Environmental Protection investigation. Cases of contamination to be made public.

Environmental Impacts, Public Health Impacts