This week’s Zoning In highlights some of the hottest flashpoints in the national data center debate: township denials in Michigan, strained emergency services in Ohio, calls for public forums in Oregon, a potential moratorium in St. Louis, and environmental justice concerns in Georgia and Alabama. Communities are increasingly framing these projects around issues of water, power, noise, transparency, and equity.
At the same time, broader political currents are beginning to converge. On September 20, hundreds rallied outside Blackstone’s New York headquarters under the banner “No Data Centers for Billionaires,” explicitly tying local development battles to Wall Street wealth and AI-driven energy demand. In Adam Waitkunas’ recent blog, Is Private Equity the Next Flashpoint for Data Center Opposition?, he explores how ownership models may become as controversial as land use — a reminder that developers must prepare for a more complex and politicized public dialogue.
Work Begins on Next Phase of Loudoun County Data Center Regulations – Loudoun County has launched the second phase of its data center regulatory overhaul, focusing on standards for architecture, noise, emissions, setbacks, and sustainability. A 14-month process is underway with input from multiple commissions, businesses, and residents, with final adoption targeted for late 2026.
Meta’s $10B Louisiana Data Center Project Positions Bayou State as New Hub – Louisiana, historically behind Texas and Virginia, is now emerging as a data center hub thanks to major broadband investments and new tax incentives. Meta’s $10B hyperscale campus in Richland Parish could increase statewide electricity use by 15%, signaling more large-scale projects ahead.
Protest Over Panhandle AI Data Centers Held at Potter County Courthouse – Residents in Amarillo, TX rallied against proposed AI data centers, citing risks to the Ogallala Aquifer, noise, and limited job creation. The Women’s March helped organize the event, reflecting growing national activism linking AI growth to local environmental concerns.
Arizona Weighs Special Utility Rates for Data Centers – The Arizona Corporation Commission is considering new utility rate structures specific to data centers, driven by surging demand from hyperscale projects. Any changes could take 18 months to implement, but regulators say they want to be proactive in balancing grid reliability with economic growth.
Developers Withdraw Data Center Request in Blakely, PA – A proposed 1.5GW campus outside Scranton has been scrapped after developers pulled their rezoning request. Officials and residents clashed over the need for further public forums, following vocal opposition at earlier meetings.
St. Charles County Executive Calls for Middle Ground on Data Center Regulation – After fierce opposition derailed a major project and triggered a moratorium, St. Charles County, MO officials are urging a balanced regional approach. Leaders are weighing how to manage AI-driven growth while avoiding over-regulation.
Albemarle County Pauses Data Center Regulations – Albemarle County, VA will hold off on adopting new rules or overlay districts, citing the rapidly evolving nature of data centers. For now, projects over 40,000 sq. ft. will continue requiring special use permits with full public input.
Google Pulls Franklin Township Data Center Plan Minutes Before Vote – Google abruptly withdrew its $1B “Project Flo” proposal in Indianapolis after intense opposition over farmland loss, secrecy, and utility strain. The move leaves central Indiana’s data center ambitions in limbo as officials weigh future development prospects.
Jones County, GA Approves Proactive Data Center Zoning Ordinance – With no projects currently filed, Jones County passed new zoning rules defining acceptable sites, noise limits, and environmental review requirements. Officials highlight the county’s industrial park as a potential landing spot.
Lancaster, PA AI Data Center Project Sparks Legal Battle – A $10B “AI Hub” faces both a zoning appeal and lawsuit after opponents challenged its approval. Despite $80M already invested locally, residents voice concerns about transparency, grid strain, and environmental impacts.
Charles County, MD Meeting Highlights Data Center Concerns – Residents and officials debated a proposed 432-acre development, weighing tax revenue and jobs against water use, wildlife impacts, and generator noise. A zoning text amendment process will begin in October to set new local rules.
Columbus-Area Officials: Data Centers Strain Emergency Response – Jerome Township reports 84 emergency runs to two Amazon facilities in four years, with crews often delayed at security gates—raising concerns about resource drain and response times.
Howell Township (MI) Panel Recommends Denying Rezoning for 1,000-Acre Data Center – After an eight-hour meeting with hundreds in attendance, planners advised against a rezoning that would enable one of Michigan’s largest data centers, citing noise, water/power use, and fit with the community.
Oregon, OH Residents Demand Public Forum on Multibillion-Dollar Data Center – Citizens pressed city leaders for a public meeting with the developer over transparency, potential utility impacts, and environmental concerns; council signaled a forum will be scheduled soon.
St. Louis Alders Float Possible Temporary Ban Amid Armory Data Center Uproar – Board President Megan Green says a moratorium remains on the table as a $600M Midtown proposal faces delays and heightened scrutiny over transparency, urban fit, and utility impacts.
California’s Capitol Scales Back Data Center Bills—Two Disclosure Measures Survive – Of four bills, two remain: one on water-use disclosure and another authorizing (but not requiring) cost-shift reviews for ratepayers—reflecting heavy debate over transparency and grid costs.
Harwood, ND Mayor Defends $3B AI Data Center as Opposition Persists – Citing noise-mitigation offers and offsite location, the mayor says many critics are from outside town; construction is underway with added road upgrades funded by the developer.
Developer Sues MI Township After Rezoning Denial for 2.2M-Sq-Ft AI Facility – Related Digital and landowners filed suit against Saline Township, calling the denial “arbitrary” and arguing the project is a legitimate, feasible land use for the site.
Black Community in South Fulton Fights Georgia’s Data Center Boom – Majority-Black neighborhoods in South Fulton and Union City mobilize against at least 20 planned facilities, citing environmental justice, water/energy strain, and limited job benefits; advocates push for transparency, forums, and tighter local controls.
How Incentives Are Shaping More Sustainable Data Centers – States are increasingly tying tax breaks to LEED and clean-energy benchmarks; Illinois and Michigan cited as models, while Virginia debates stricter standards—signaling a broader shift to “green-conditioned” incentives.
NAACP Opposes Massive Alabama Data Center Citing Climate and Equity Concerns – The NAACP urges Bessemer officials to reject or slow a 4.5M-sq-ft, 1,200-MW campus over energy, water (up to 2 MGD), and transparency issues; groups warn of cumulative impacts in already burdened communities ahead of an Oct. 7 vote.
Opinion: Bristow Data Center Denial Sends a Clear Signal in Prince William County – A district supervisor frames the board’s recent “no” as evidence of a more data-driven, community-responsive approach that prioritizes transparency, infrastructure alignment, and environmental safeguards.
