Milldam Minute

Zoning In

Zoning In

in Milldam Minute

This week’s Zoning In features an article in Data Center Knowledge highlighting how ambiguous and outdated zoning regulations impede development, even in well-established regions like Northern Virginia. These hurdles underscore the need for proactive community engagement to address concerns about aesthetics, resource consumption, and economic benefits, fostering a regulatory environment that balances industry growth with local interests. Additional stories delve into the tension between tech aspirations and strained U.S. electric grids, spotlighting a $20 billion […]

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Zoning In

Zoning In

in Milldam Minute, Milldam News

This week’s Zoning In features numerous updates and significant opinion pieces. Highlights include a proposed $17 billion development in Georgia that is expected to add $1.6 billion annually to the local tax base, zoning approvals for transformative AI-driven projects in Louisiana, and a high-profile lawsuit in Minnesota that raises questions about transparency and community impact. On the opinion front, there’s growing debate over energy affordability and tax incentives, with critics challenging the role of data […]

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Zoning In

Zoning In

in Milldam Minute

In this week’s Zoning In, The Wall Street Journal looks at Atlanta’s surge in data center construction, driven by hyperscalers, and how it faces pushback as residents and lawmakers prioritize community-focused development near transit and urban areas. Meanwhile, Arizona emerges as a tech innovation hub with semiconductors, AI, and clean energy investments. Nationwide, states are grappling with rising energy demands from data center growth, with Pennsylvania challenging electricity cost increases, Georgia managing energy imports, and […]

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Zoning In

Zoning In

in Milldam Minute

This week in Data Center Community Engagement and Regulations Data center growth continues to spark debate across the country as states grapple with infrastructure demands and community concerns. Arizona’s data center boom highlights the strain on its power grid and reports about inequities faced by communities like Navajo Nation. Virginia’s natural gas pipeline expansions aim to meet energy needs while raising environmental questions, as critics call for renewable energy and stricter oversight of the industry. […]

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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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