Resource Type: Legislation

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June 19, 2026

Data Centers: Key Reforms for State Subsidy Legislation – Good Jobs First

To protect workers and local budgets, it is recommended to eliminate taxpayer subsidies for data centers, reform incentives, and study their impact. Key reforms include disqualifying data centers from various tax exemptions, requiring transparency in project applications, ensuring job quality standards, and conducting state evaluations of the incentive program every three years.

Economic Analysis, Investor Engagement, Jobs
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June 19, 2026

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,…

Community Organizing, Government & Policy, Legal & Zoning, Public Engagement, Technology Policy, Utilities & Power
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June 19, 2026

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…

Government & Policy, Technology Policy
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June 19, 2026

Power for the People Act of 2026: a federal structural reform of data centers

A federal bill to promote the creation of data center load queues and data center-specific rate classes to mitigate the impact of data centers on other electricity consumers, and for other purposes. This bill is a federal structural reform, it doesn’t stop a specific data center, but it reshapes the energy rules that determines who…

Government & Policy, Utilities & Power
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June 19, 2026

The City of Madison, WI Moratorium on Data Centers

A temporary moratorium is established on zoning certificates for data centers and telecommunications centers over 10,000 square feet in Madison, allowing time to assess their environmental and infrastructure impacts. This period will enable the city to develop regulations that protect public health and welfare, while addressing potential strains on resources and urban development. The moratorium…

Government & Policy
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June 19, 2026

Model Data Center Land Use Ordinance (Pennsylvania)

This document is a model ordinance for Pennsylvania municipalities to regulate data centers as conditional uses in industrial zones. Specifies 2,500-foot residential setbacks, 45 dBA nighttime noise limits, utility ratepayer impact analysis, water use documentation and environmental impact assessments before construction begins.

Enforcement, Government & Policy, Legal & Zoning, Noise, Ordinance, Technical Resources, Utilities & Power, Water Quality & Quantity
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March 25, 2026

Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez Announce AI Data Center Moratorium Act

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) introduce the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, federal legislation pausing new data center development until Congress sets safety, worker protection and environmental safeguards. The bill bans AI computing infrastructure exports to countries lacking equivalent rules. More than 100 U.S. communities and 12 states pursue local or…

Government & Policy, Technology Policy, Victories
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March 2, 2026

Data Center Laws and Regulations Tracking by We Build Progress

We Build Progress maintains a continuously updated spreadsheet cataloging data center legislation and regulation across more than 30 U.S. states. Entries cover tax exemptions, water usage rules, energy efficiency mandates, zoning ordinances, renewable energy standards, reporting requirements, grid protection measures, large-load tariffs, crypto-specific regulation, grassroots organizing victories, and project rejections. Each record identifies the state,…

Government & Policy
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February 6, 2026

NY Senate Bill S9144: Data Center Permit Moratorium and Rate Protections

New York Senate Bill S9144 imposes a minimum three-year moratorium on new data center permits statewide. The Department of Environmental Conservation must complete a generic environmental impact statement during the pause. The Public Service Commission must issue orders preventing data center costs from shifting to residential, commercial and industrial ratepayers.

Energy, Environmental Justice, Government & Policy, Utilities & Power
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February 2, 2026

Community Benefits Agreement Template by NAACP

NAACP's model community benefits agreement sets enforceable standards for local hiring, renewable energy ratchets, water disclosure, tax clawbacks, and independent community oversight of data center projects.

Community Benefits Agreement, Government & Policy, Jobs, Legal & Procedural, Taxes, Utilities & Power, Water Quality & Quantity