An Amazon Web Services data center is shown situated near single-family homes. Some local and state officials across the country want to halt development of the facilities. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)
Amid rising electricity costs and environmental concerns, some state and local officials are moving to halt data center development. Lawmakers in 11 states, including New York, Georgia, and Wisconsin, have introduced bills to temporarily ban data centers, as reported by Good Jobs First. These measures range from multi-year bans to indefinite moratoriums.
For instance, a Vermont bill would prohibit new data centers until July 2030. New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, and Vermont proposals also mandate studies on data centers’ economic and environmental impacts. Pennsylvania and Minnesota are planning similar moratoriums.
Some legislation has stalled, like the South Dakota bill tabled by the Senate State Affairs Committee. Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer opposed halting data center growth, according to Michigan Advance.
While no state bans have been enacted, cities like St. Charles, Missouri, have implemented one-year bans. Indiana counties, including Fulton and DeKalb, have also imposed temporary suspensions. However, some initiatives, like in Hood County, Texas, failed due to legal threats.
Officials are also considering data center regulations to address rising utility bills and prevent revenue loss from tax breaks. For more information, contact mfitzgerald@stateline.org.
This story was originally produced by Stateline, part of the States Newsroom network, supported by grants and donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
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