Policy guardrails are catching up to AI infrastructure. Georgia proposes new DRI thresholds and disclosures, Pima County expands NDA and environmental review rules, and Virginia’s SCC weighs cost allocation for high-load customers. Communities from Mississippi to Virginia continue to organize, and a new report warns of potential Great Lakes water stress from data centers. Meanwhile, Brazil signals “Redata” incentives to lure renewable-powered builds.
Brazil Launching Data Center Incentives Next Month to Woo Big Tech
Brazil plans to announce its “Redata” tax incentive program in September, exempting data center projects from federal taxes if they source 100% renewable energy. Officials see the program as a way to ease tensions with the U.S. while leveraging Brazil’s abundant clean power. Developers are eyeing Export Processing Zones, with one proposed project tied to ByteDance.
Dominion Energy and Big Tech Maneuver Over Pivotal Rate Decision in Virginia
Dominion seeks to create a new “high-load” customer class that would shift billions in costs to data centers, locking them into 14-year contracts. Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are pushing back, seeking more favorable terms. Regulators are weighing proposals as residents and environmental groups voice concerns about rising bills and unchecked energy growth.
Brandon Residents Want Answers, Guarantees About Data Center
More than 430 residents signed a petition demanding safeguards for a $6B AVAIO Digital data center in Mississippi. While officials tout $23M in tax revenue, locals worry about water use, pollution, and utility costs. The project joins a wave of Mississippi builds that could total $26B in investment but are sparking pushback over transparency.
Clayton County Board of Commissioners Approves Moratorium on New Data Centers
Clayton County, GA has unanimously paused new data centers until the end of 2025, citing resident concerns about rapid growth. The moratorium halts new applications and expansions while officials study health, safety, and economic impacts. Two projects are already approved, including a Digital Realty campus at Fort Gillem.
Pennsylvania Townships Move Fast With Data Center Guardrails
Multiple Pennsylvania municipalities are adopting ordinances requiring conditional-use approvals, water feasibility studies, and stricter zoning for data centers. A $15B project in Middlesex Township could serve as a test case. Water scarcity is a key issue in smaller townships reliant on wells.
Responding to community outrage over Project Blue, Pima County approved new transparency rules requiring disclosure 90 days before votes and quarterly NDA reporting. Supervisors also expanded environmental impact reviews to include cultural and health impacts. Despite reforms, Beale Infrastructure and Amazon continue pushing the project forward.
Report Says Growing Demand From Data Centers, Industry Could Stress Great Lakes Water
The Alliance for the Great Lakes warns hyperscale facilities could withdraw 150B gallons of water over five years, urging states to expand reporting, map aquifers, and reassess tax incentives. Wisconsin’s recent sales tax exemption is flagged, with recommendations for using treated wastewater instead of drinking supplies for cooling.
Data Centers Might Face More Scrutiny Under Rules Proposed by Georgia Agency
Georgia’s Department of Community Affairs proposes new DRI rules requiring developers to disclose energy and water needs, with thresholds at 300,000 sq. ft. (urban) and 500,000 sq. ft. (rural). A Sept. 9 hearing is scheduled, with a final board vote in November.
After Questions and Shouting, Harwood Takes First Steps in Approving $3B AI Data Center
Harwood, ND advanced rezoning and a permit for Applied Digital’s $3B, 280-MW AI facility. The city also opposed Fargo’s annexation attempt. Residents remain divided as the project moves to a second vote in October.
As Trump Promotes Data Centres, Communities Push Back
The White House is prioritizing AI infrastructure with fast-track approvals and $500B in private investment through “Project Stargate.” Local opposition networks in 24 states have delayed or halted $64B in projects, with Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia emerging as flashpoints over utility costs and siting authority.
In Henrico County, VA, residents report anti-data center yard signs stolen from private property ahead of a Sept. 11 planning vote. With nearly 40 centers already in the county, neighbors voice concern over noise, light, and school impacts. Some may involve law enforcement, noting theft from private property is illegal.
