This week’s update reveals the push-pull between data center growth and public oversight across the U.S. In Kentucky, Oldham County’s planning board is building a framework to regulate data centers more tightly. At the same time, West Virginia just passed a law that bypasses local zoning altogether to attract more projects. Meanwhile, power constraints in Pennsylvania have halted a long-rumored AWS development, and in Virginia, the battle continues over who should pay for infrastructure serving hyperscale facilities.
Community resistance is gaining ground in places like Bartow County, GA, Porter County, IN, and Kansas City, where residents are questioning the economic and environmental tradeoffs of billion-dollar data center proposals. At the same time, CoreSite is taking a different approach—launching a digital knowledge hub to educate the public on the essential, often invisible, role of data infrastructure in modern life.
Kentucky Committee Advances Framework for Local Data Center Zoning Rules
The Study Review Committee in Oldham County, Kentucky, has taken initial steps toward regulating data center development by outlining key components of a future ordinance. At its April meeting, planning officials emphasized the need to formally define what constitutes a data center and determine appropriate zoning classifications—favoring industrial zones such as I1, I2, and IPD. Discussion also covered potential rules around setbacks, building heights, sound attenuation, generator use, environmental testing, and decommissioning protocols.
The committee signaled a preference for a strict regulatory approach initially, with Planning Chair Gregory King noting it’s easier to loosen restrictions later than to add them after projects are underway. A draft regulation is expected at the next committee meeting on May 22.
Read the full article at The Oldham Era
Bartow County Planning Commission Recommends Denial of Data Center Rezoning
In Bartow County, Georgia, residents are pushing back against a proposed data center near the Barnsley Resort, citing concerns over environmental disruption and harm to the area’s tourism-driven economy. During a packed planning commission meeting on April 28—where many attendees wore red in protest—the commission voted to recommend denial of the rezoning request that would allow the project to proceed.
While the developer, Atlas Development, argued that the facility would be out of sight and deliver substantial tax revenue, critics, including Barnsley Resort’s president, called the project an “existential threat” to the area’s character. Over 2,000 residents have signed a petition opposing the data center. The final decision now rests with Bartow County’s sole commissioner, Steve Taylor, who will issue a ruling on May 14.
Read the full article at FOX 5 Atlanta
Community Pushback Mounts Over $10B Data Center Bonds in Kansas City
In Kansas City’s Northland, opposition is growing over a proposed $10 billion bond issuance for a new data center campus—widely believed to be tied to Google—on nearly 500 acres near I-435 and US-169. While Port KC insists the bonds are privately backed and not taxpayer-funded, residents and local advocacy groups like Sunrise Movement KC voiced concern that the project offers more promises than tangible benefits, especially for schools and job creation.
Critics say data center tax exemptions deprive public services of needed revenue, with one resident urging for a binding community benefits agreement before any deal proceeds. Port KC has confirmed its intent to pursue such an agreement as part of the “Project Mica” proposal but did not advance the bond at its latest meeting due to missing financial documentation. A final vote is expected May 12.
Read the full article at KSHB 41
Are Data Center Tax Breaks Worth It? New Report Says States May Be Losing More Than They Gain
A new study from watchdog group Good Jobs First raises alarm bells about the ballooning cost of tax incentives granted to data centers across more than 30 U.S. states. While tech giants argue these breaks are essential to attract AI-driven infrastructure and spur local growth, the report finds that some states are now losing billions annually in foregone revenue—sometimes exceeding the financial benefits these projects bring.
The debate is especially heated in Georgia, where proposed moratoriums on incentives were vetoed despite findings that tax breaks have outpaced revenues. Critics on both sides of the aisle argue that the jobs created are minimal, while the cost to local taxpayers and infrastructure can be significant. Still, proponents in states like Virginia say data centers are lifelines for struggling rural areas, contributing valuable property taxes and long-term investment. As the AI boom continues, the clash over incentives, transparency, and land use is likely to escalate.
Read the full article at TIME
Porter County Residents Mobilize Against 800-Acre Data Center Proposal
Opponents of a proposed 800-acre data center development in Union Township, Indiana, are ramping up efforts ahead of a key May 13 Porter County Planning Commission meeting. At a recent organizing forum at Wheeler High School, concerned residents discussed canvassing strategies, encouraged community storytelling, and cited fears about proximity to schools, power plant impacts, and zoning changes.
The project, split across two parcels dubbed “Jeremiah A” and “Jeremiah B,” would require rezoning to a planned unit development. Speakers from Citizens Action Coalition and local groups warned of increased energy demands—nearly double current peak usage—and the influence of AI growth driving hyperscale expansion in Indiana.
Read the full article at The Chicago Tribune
Fairfax Faces the Fallout: Transmission Fight Raises Questions About Data Center Growth, Grid Strain, and Who Pays
As Dominion Energy seeks approval for a new transmission line to serve a hyperscale data center just 60 feet from homes in Fairfax County, VA, local residents are pushing back—raising concerns about quality of life, property values, and unfair cost burdens. The State Corporation Commission is now weighing whether the $23 million project, primarily needed to serve a single data center customer, should move forward—and more importantly, who should foot the bill.
Virginia’s booming data center industry, now powering over 13% of global capacity, is accelerating utility infrastructure expansion and straining public resources. While data centers drive billions in investment and tax revenue, questions remain over cost allocation: should average ratepayers subsidize power lines for trillion-dollar companies like Amazon and Meta?
Read the full article at Inside Climate News
West Virginia Enacts Pro-Data Center Law, Curtails Local Oversight
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has signed the Power Generation and Consumption Act (HB 2014) into law, aiming to position the state as a prime destination for data center development and microgrid integration. The legislation allows data centers to bypass local zoning and regulatory processes and establishes a certified microgrid program enabling facilities to self-generate power off the utility grid.
The law also introduces a new tax framework, distributing revenues between state-level funds and local counties—with only 30% returning to host counties. Critics warn the law strips local control and could lead to higher electric rates.
Read the full article at West Virginia Watch
Power Shortage Ends Amazon Data Center Plans in Upper Mount Bethel
Upper Mount Bethel Township officials confirmed this week that the long-rumored Amazon Web Services data center project at the 800-acre River Pointe Logistics Center is officially off the table. Township Supervisor John Bermingham cited a lack of available power as the reason AWS deemed the project “no longer viable.”
The township had been preparing to amend its zoning ordinance to accommodate data center development. The loss is being felt deeply by residents who saw the project as a major economic opportunity.
Read the full article at The Marietta Daily Journal
CoreSite Launches Public Education Platform on Data Center Infrastructure
CoreSite, an American Tower company, has launched the Data Center Knowledge Base, a new online resource designed to demystify the role of data centers in modern life. Through videos, infographics, and articles, the platform aims to educate the public on how data centers power everything from AI and emergency response systems to economic growth and energy efficiency.
The initiative highlights the often-invisible role data centers play in daily routines—such as streaming, email, and cloud access—while promoting awareness of their community and environmental impact.
Read the full article at Business Wire
