Milldam Minute

Zoning In

Zoning In

in Milldam Minute

This week in Data Center Community Engagement and Regulations Senate Democrats Push Back on White House’s Data Center Fast-Tracking Plan A group of Senate Democrats is urging President Biden to rethink potential executive actions to expedite data center construction by bypassing environmental regulations. The proposed measures, designed to accelerate the development of AI-supporting data centers, could allow companies to circumvent clean air and water requirements. In a letter to the White House, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse […]

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Zoning In

Zoning In

in Milldam Minute

This week, Virginia’s position as the “data center capital of the world” is driving bipartisan legislative discussions on better regulation. A recent JLARC report underscores the economic benefits of the $9 billion industry but highlights concerns over its energy demands, which are projected to impact residents’ utility bills by 2040 significantly. Lawmakers from both sides advocate for stricter zoning and infrastructure accountability to address these challenges while balancing economic growth with sustainability, which remains a […]

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2025 Predictions: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Data Center Community Relations

2025 Predictions: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Data Center Community Relations

in Milldam Minute

2024 saw significant shifts in how communities and local governments engage with data centers. As we look ahead to 2025, here are the trends and challenges likely to shape the next year in data center community engagement. 1. Escalating Energy and Sustainability Expectations Communities are becoming increasingly vocal about energy usage and renewable energy integration. This will lead to: 2. Zoning Restrictions and Permitting Delays We have already seen an uptick in restrictive local ordinances. […]

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Zoning In

Zoning In

in Milldam Minute

This week on Zoning In, we explore mounting community pushback against data center developments, from Virginia residents opposing power lines and zoning changes to Atlanta neighborhoods halting a West End proposal. We also dive into energy challenges, as utilities like Xcel Energy and Georgia Power address rising data center demands amid clean energy goals. These stories underscore the delicate balance between economic growth, sustainability, and community well-being. Coming next week: Don’t miss our look ahead […]

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Zoning In

Zoning In

in Milldam Minute

Oversight Battles, Energy Challenges, and Industry Growth As the data center industry continues to expand, local communities and regulatory bodies are grappling with balancing economic growth, infrastructure demands, and environmental impacts. This week’s edition of Zoning In explores pivotal developments shaping the industry, from debates over by-right use policies in Virginia to groundbreaking energy agreements in the Midwest. We also highlight critical legal challenges, op-eds advocating for greater oversight, and the implications of Federal Energy […]

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Zoning In

Zoning In

in Milldam Minute, Milldam News

Data center growth is driving economic change but sparking local resistance. Protests in Maryland, environmental pushback in Louisiana, and debates over cost-sharing in Ohio highlight the balance needed between development and sustainability. Dive deeper into these issues and more in this week’s report!  Data Center Growth and Its Transformative Impact on the U.S. Energy Landscape Data center growth is rapidly reshaping the U.S. energy and economic landscape, with projections indicating data centers will consume 5%-9% […]

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Zoning In

Zoning In

in Milldam Minute

This week’s Zoning In explores the evolving landscape of data center growth and regulation. Oregon, OH, approved a $17.3M land sale for a potential data center, promising economic gains, while Arizona and Virginia grapple with grid reliability challenges from rising energy demands, exploring new interconnection tariffs and renewable investments. Shenandoah County, VA, is weighing data center opportunities against infrastructure and environmental concerns, and Loudoun County continues to push back on projects combining data centers with […]

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Zoning In

Zoning In

in Milldam Minute

Fairfax County Urges Virginia for Stricter Data Center Regulations to Address Environmental Concerns Fairfax County supervisors are preparing to push for stricter data center regulations in the upcoming 2025 legislative session of Virginia’s General Assembly. Their proposals aim to increase state and local oversight on environmental impacts, particularly concerning energy and water usage reporting, which data centers would be required to disclose to the Virginia Department of Energy. The Board of Supervisors seeks amendments that […]

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Zoning In

Zoning In

in Milldam Minute

This week’s Zoning In covers recent key developments and controversies shaping the data center industry. From AEP Ohio’s agreement on interconnection rules to Bain’s study on data centers’ impact on electricity demand—it is projected to drive a 1% rise in customer bills through 2032. In Virginia, a professor’s investigation into NDAs with localities highlights the tension between development and public transparency. At the same time, Foreign Policy’s exploration of AI infrastructure showcases the geopolitical stakes […]

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Zoning IN

Zoning IN

in Milldam Minute

Dominion Energy’s Long-Term Investment in Natural Gas Sparks Environmental Concerns in Virginia Dominion Energy recently released its 2024 integrated resource plan, which details its energy strategy through 2039. The plan underscores Dominion’s significant investments in natural gas infrastructure to meet rising energy demands while committing to clean energy projects like solar, offshore wind, and energy storage. Environmentalists, however, are critical of the company’s continued reliance on fossil fuels, especially in light of climate change and […]

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