Arizona Eyes Nuclear Reactors for Data Center Power
Arizona is exploring the use of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to power massive tech facilities. House Bill 2774 would allow for deployment of these “nuclear batteries” without standard environmental or zoning reviews. Advocates see it as a way to meet high energy demands; critics call it risky deregulation.
Read the full article at PHOENIX Magazine
$64 Billion in Data Center Projects Face Local Pushback
A new report from Data Center Watch estimates that $64 billion in U.S. data center projects have been delayed, derailed, or canceled in the past two years due to local opposition. Water usage, power strain, and quality-of-life concerns are fueling the growing resistance.
Read the full article at Data Center Dynamics
Palmetto, GA Residents Push Back on Massive Campus
Community members in Palmetto, Georgia, are urging county commissioners to reverse their approval of a major data center rezoning. Opponents raised concerns about the development’s environmental footprint, water use, and noise pollution.
Read the full article at The Newnan Times-Herald
Youngkin Vetoes Virginia Data Center Oversight Bill
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bipartisan bill that would have required community and environmental impact reviews for new data center projects. His veto emphasized a desire to avoid “overregulation” of the state’s fastest-growing industry.
Read the full article at Data Center Dynamics
Neighbors Say AI Data Centers Are Getting Too Loud
As hyperscale and AI-specific data centers proliferate in Virginia, nearby residents are pushing back, citing sleepless nights from constant noise and unexpected infrastructure near homes. The rapid growth has created tensions even in traditionally tech-friendly areas.
Read the full article at Semafor
Frederick County Considers Data Center Restrictions
Lawmakers in Frederick County, Maryland, introduced legislation this week to limit data center development through more robust zoning and environmental review requirements. It’s the latest example of communities asserting control over rapid infrastructure growth.
Read The Full Article at WFMD
Talen Energy Considers Alternate Data Center Power Deals
Following a regulatory dispute, Talen Energy is weighing new options for supplying power to data centers, including those operated by AWS. Officials say the review could reshape the company’s energy strategy amid scrutiny over its nuclear assets.
Read the full article at Reuters
PJM, Utilities Oppose Colocation Settlement Push
PJM Interconnection and several utilities urged FERC to reject a motion to initiate settlement proceedings around colocation rules for data centers. They argue that no violations occurred and that current tariffs are sufficient.
Read the full article at Utility Dive
Coweta County, GA Pauses New Projects
Coweta County issued a 180-day moratorium on new data center applications, citing the need to reevaluate zoning policies. The move comes just weeks after approval of a massive development sparked local concerns over land use and infrastructure.
Read the full article at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
