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Data Center Anticipated Approvals and Permits
Fair Shake is building a list of permits a data center might need that leaders can copy and use to track projects in their own communities.
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Example Ordinance: Franklin County, Pennsylvania Board of Commissioners (Ordinance No. 2026-02) sets binding zoning standards specifically for data centers.
Adopted by the Franklin County, Pennsylvania Board of Commissioners (Ordinance No. 2026-02, apparently signed around May 20, 2026), this ordinance sets binding zoning standards specifically for data centers countywide. Key requirements: 1,000-ft setbacks from adjoining properties/public roads and from residential structures, a 35-ft max building height (waivable with fire-department certification), noise capped at 57 dBA…
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How Will Data Center Growth Impact California Ratepayers?
In California, billions in planned transmission upgrades to serve data centers risk becoming stranded assets whose costs fall on residential and small-business ratepayers. Breaks down how speculative interconnection requests inflate grid forecasts and how current rate structures let developers shift infrastructure expenses onto existing customers.
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The New Coalition Taking on Big Tech’s AI Data Centers
Food & Water Watch launches the Stop Data Centers Coalition, uniting more than 500 organizations from 47 states behind a call for a nationwide moratorium on new data centers. The coalition builds on grassroots wins including 17 local moratoria in North Carolina and blocked proposals across Indiana and Pennsylvania.
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Interconnection – Oregon Community Solar Program
Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and Idaho Power each run dedicated interconnection queues for community solar projects under Oregon's state rules (OAR 860-082). Covers Tier 2 and Tier 4 review steps, how siting and sizing decisions affect upgrade costs and the Public Utility Commission's role in unresolved transmission cost allocation.
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Data Centers – PennFuture
PennFuture's resource hub highlights Pennsylvania's appeal for large data center projects, detailing environmental risks such as high power demand from fossil fuels, significant water usage for cooling, and land conversion leading to runoff and habitat loss. It provides educational videos for municipal officials and a model zoning ordinance to help local governments plan effectively for…
Exposing AI Data Center Threats and Harms