A federal appeals court panel refused to block the Trump administration's blacklisting of Anthropic AI but agreed to expedite oral arguments scheduled for May 19, while a separate federal district court judge had previously granted Anthropic a preliminary injunction in a related case. The ruling does not address the legal merits of whether the blacklisting violates the First Amendment or constitutes an unlawful supply-chain designation.
Port Washington, Wisconsin approved a referendum on April 11, 2026, requiring voter approval for tax benefits exceeding $10 million for large data center projects, marking the nation's first such measure. The referendum passed with 66 percent support but is facing a lawsuit from a local business group citing concerns about regional investment impacts.
Detroit City Council passed a resolution in March calling for a two-year moratorium on data center permits, and Councilman Scott Benson has now convened a working group including city departments, DTE Energy, unions, and environmental advocates to develop comprehensive zoning policies by December 31. The working group will assess potential data center impacts on infrastructure, environment, and the community while evaluating how peer cities have addressed similar developments.
Elon Musk amended his lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman to seek no personal damages, instead requesting that any recovered funds be returned to OpenAI's nonprofit arm and that company leadership be removed. The legal strategy shift follows a judge's rejection of punitive damages and other remedies, with Musk arguing the case aims to prevent OpenAI's conversion from a nonprofit to private interests.
A 20-year-old man from Texas has been charged with attempted murder and attempted arson after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home and later threatening to burn down the company's headquarters; authorities say he traveled to San Francisco with the intent to kill Altman and had written about concerns regarding artificial intelligence's risks to humanity.
North Carolina's Clyde area is considering a potential moratorium on data center development and is soliciting public feedback on the proposal.from headline
Google News — Data Center Moratoriums·Apr 13·United States
Anthropic, Alphabet, and Broadcom have made moves that some analysts view as potentially challenging Nvidia's market position in AI chip manufacturing and infrastructure.from headline
Anthropic announced a project called Mythos that has drawn attention from policymakers and financial sector figures in Washington, D.C. and New York.from headline
A Jackson County legislator introduced a 120-day moratorium on new data center land use applications in unincorporated areas to allow time for developing regulations, though the moratorium would not apply to an existing Nebius facility in Independence. The proposed pause would also expand resident notification requirements for future projects from 250 feet to a larger radius.
Civic groups and conservation organizations in Prince William County held a protest on April 7, 2026, calling on the county to withdraw its legal appeal of the PW Digital Gateway data-center project following a unanimous Virginia Court of Appeals ruling in March that sided with residents on procedural grounds. The county has 30 days to decide whether to appeal the decision to the Virginia Supreme Court.
Alabama's legislature passed HB 399, which limits data center tax abatements to 20 years unless facilities meet community investment thresholds, while also requiring large data centers using 100 megawatts or more of electricity to pay state sales and use taxes. The bill allows data center operators to extend abatements to 30 years if they agree to provide local infrastructure, broadband, or education investments.
Port Washington, Wisconsin voters approved a referendum by roughly 2-to-1 margin requiring voter approval before the city can authorize or provide tax incentives for future data center projects. The measure represents the first voter-approved restriction on AI data center construction in the nation and comes as similar measures are being considered in communities across the United States.
Ypsilanti Township formally resolved to oppose a University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory data center project citing environmental and security concerns, while a separate anti-data center group's recall petition against Lyon Township officials was rejected for lacking clarity. Meanwhile, an Oracle data center project in Saline Township is nearing $16 billion in financing, and Michigan regulators rejected the state attorney general's request to review DTE Energy's power contracts for the development.
Anthropic faced concerns that a tool called Mythos could reveal cybersecurity vulnerabilities, though some industry experts argue that addressing existing vulnerabilities is a greater challenge than identifying them.from headline
Anthropic is in discussions with the Trump administration regarding its upcoming AI model, according to a statement from one of the company's co-founders.from headline
US and UK financial regulators held meetings with banks to discuss potential cybersecurity risks that Anthropic's AI systems could pose to financial infrastructure.from headline
Anthropic's office has been characterized as having notably AI-forward design and operations, even compared to other artificial intelligence companies.from headline
A Reuters report discusses potential security risks to banking systems posed by AI-assisted hacking techniques related to Anthropic's Mythos system.from headline
Anthropic announced Project Glasswing, an initiative focused on improving security for critical software in the context of artificial intelligence development.from headline
A 20-year-old suspect was arrested after throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's San Francisco home early Friday morning, damaging an exterior gate before the suspect allegedly proceeded to OpenAI's offices and made threats to burn down the building. No injuries were reported and authorities said charges are still pending.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order establishing state review of federal supply-chain risk designations for AI companies and requiring state agencies to develop AI governance standards covering child safety, civil liberties, and discrimination concerns. The order comes after the Department of Defense designated San Francisco-based Anthropic a supply-chain risk over contract disputes regarding military use of its systems.
Maryland's Senate passed the Utility RELIEF Act, which includes provisions to incentivize methane gas and nuclear energy development for AI data centers and calls for a study identifying 50 potential energy generation sites across the state. The bill, which the House passed in mid-March, has been promoted by Governor Moore and state legislative leaders.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into OpenAI, citing concerns about national security risks, potential data access by foreign adversaries, and alleged links between ChatGPT and criminal activities including child safety violations and a 2025 shooting at Florida State University. Uthmeier announced that subpoenas related to the investigation will be issued forthcoming.
John Deere agreed to pay farmers $99 million to settle a class action lawsuit over restricted access to repair materials and will provide repair resources on a subscription basis for 10 years. The settlement also requires the company to enable offline diagnostics and reprogramming by end of 2026, allowing equipment owners to avoid authorized dealers for repairs.
Arkansas passed Act 278 in 2023, which restructured residential solar compensation from a one-to-one net metering system to a buy-low, sell-high model where customers receive 2.47 cents per kilowatt-hour for solar power sent to the grid but pay over 13 cents when drawing power back. The article reports that recent utility rate increases for SWEPCO and Entergy customers have followed this policy change, though the utilities' original justification of cost-shifting from solar users to other ratepayers was never substantiated with evidence.
Anti-data center rallies are planned across six Michigan cities this weekend, with organizers opposing projects they say are facilitated by political donations from DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, while supporters push for legislation to repeal data center tax breaks and enact a moratorium on new projects. A ballot initiative to ban political donations from monopoly utilities has polled at 81% support among Michigan voters.
Festus, Missouri voters ousted four of eight city council members after the council approved a $6 billion CRG Clayco hyperscale data center on 360 acres. A petition now seeks to remove the mayor and the remaining incumbents, and similar backlash in Independence, Missouri defeated councilmembers who approved a $6B Nebius tax-break package the same day.
Massachusetts advanced a healthcare-related AI bill out of committee as part of broader state legislative activity on AI regulation during the week of April 6, 2026. Oregon and Idaho signed chatbot bills into law while Tennessee enacted a healthcare AI bill with a private right of action.
Troutman Privacy + Cyber + AI (Troutman Pepper)·Apr 6·Massachusetts
Oklahoma's HB 2992, the Data Center Consumer Ratepayer Protection Act, passed the House 92-2 and awaits a Senate vote after committee review, requiring the state Corporation Commission to establish rules ensuring residential and commercial customers are protected from unfair rates related to large data center operations. The bill reflects a broader national trend, with at least 11 states proposing data center restrictions or bans in response to constituent concerns over energy infrastructure and costs.
Two class action lawsuits were filed against LinkedIn in federal court on Monday, alleging the company inadequately disclosed its practice of scanning users' browser extensions to detect policy violations, with plaintiffs claiming the disclosure in LinkedIn's privacy policy is insufficient and that the company shares extension data with third parties. LinkedIn denies the allegations, stating it clearly discloses the scanning practice in its privacy policy and performs the scans solely to detect abuse and maintain site stability.
OpenAI has acquired TBPN, a niche streaming talk show popular with Silicon Valley insiders, as part of an effort to shape industry conversation around artificial intelligence. The purchase follows the company's recent decision to cut back on non-core projects and comes amid increased public scrutiny of AI development.
Anthropic announced it will restrict access to Claude Mythos Preview, a model capable of identifying software vulnerabilities, to vetted partners rather than releasing it publicly, citing security concerns. The development raises questions about whether frontier AI models will become subject to government-controlled access regimes similar to export controls on semiconductors and military technology.
Anthropic unveiled Project Glasswing, an initiative pairing a new AI model called Claude Mythos Preview with major tech companies to identify software vulnerabilities before adversaries can exploit them, while U.S. intelligence agencies assess both the defensive benefits and security risks of the powerful tool.
Festus voters ousted four incumbent city council members who supported a $6 billion data center development by CRG Clayco, replacing them with candidates who campaigned on transparency and opposition to the project. The election reflected months of community opposition to the proposed 360-acre hyperscale data center, with residents citing concerns about the project itself and what they viewed as a lack of transparency in city decision-making.
Nebraska passed LB585, which establishes privacy protections for agricultural data requiring written consent before use or sale and mandates reasonable security practices, while also incorporating provisions from the Conversational Artificial Intelligence Safety Act that require disclosure of AI interactions and add protections for minors. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, with enforcement by the state attorney general.
In North Carolina's Edgecombe County, David Batts won a March primary election against four-term incumbent Donald Boswell by running on an anti-data-center platform, exemplifying growing voter opposition to data center projects across the state. Batts had publicly opposed a proposed $19.2 billion data center development at a county commissioners meeting, citing concerns about temporary job creation, noise levels, and community impact.
OpenAI released policy recommendations for managing advanced AI risks on the same day The New Yorker published an investigation alleging CEO Sam Altman has a history of deception and prioritizes personal advancement over organizational safety, based on interviews with over 100 insiders and internal communications. Altman disputed or claimed to have forgotten specific incidents cited in the report, attributing some shifts in his positions to changes in the AI landscape.
I can't write a summary from this headline alone, as it appears to contain promotional or speculative language ("Mythos," "Pandora's Box") rather than describing a concrete policy development or announcement. To provide a factual summary, I would need access to the article body to verify what specific governance or safety initiative was actually announced.from headline
Maine's House of Representatives moved forward with legislation sponsored by Sachs that would impose a moratorium on data center development in the state.from headline
Google News — Data Center Moratoriums·Apr 7·United States
Anthropic announced its new Mythos Preview AI model can identify high-severity security vulnerabilities in major operating systems and web browsers, with the company restricting access to 50 organizations through Project Glasswing to mitigate misuse risks while acknowledging the technology's dual-use potential for both defensive and malicious purposes.
A Molotov cocktail was thrown at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's San Francisco home on Friday, causing no damage; a 20-year-old suspect was arrested, and the incident has prompted tech executives and security professionals to express concerns about escalating threats against AI industry leaders.
Different counties near Wichita are taking varied regulatory approaches to data center development, with some considering moratoriums while others pursue alternative policies.from headline
Google News — Data Center Moratoriums·Apr 12·United States
Idaho Governor Brad Little signed S1297, the Conversational AI Safety Act, into law as part of a wave of state AI legislation enacted in early April 2026. The law regulates chatbots and AI systems that interact directly with individuals in commercial or healthcare settings.
Troutman Privacy + Cyber + AI (troutmanprivacy.com)·Apr 6·Idaho
Governor Spencer Cox signed Utah's HB 276, a Digital Content Provenance Standards Act requiring generative AI systems with over 1 million monthly users to include content provenance data, aligning with similar legislation signed in Washington and California. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and aims to help users identify AI-generated or altered content to prevent misinformation.
Troutman Pepper Privacy + Cyber + AI Blog·Apr 6·Utah
A proposed class-action lawsuit was filed against Sutter Health and MemorialCare alleging that the healthcare providers used Abridge AI to record and transcribe patient-doctor conversations without adequate patient consent in violation of state and federal law. The plaintiffs claim they were not clearly notified that their medical conversations would be captured, transmitted outside clinical settings, or processed by third-party systems.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed legislation designed to more than triple the state's electricity generation capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2050, targeting growth in coal and natural gas power to attract data centers. The law directs the state's Office of Energy to develop five-year plans sustaining existing coal plants while developing new baseload energy sources including gas, nuclear, geothermal, and hydrogen.
Georgia's legislature adjourned without passing any bills to address data center expansion, including proposals to halt new construction or roll back tax exemptions that have benefited tech companies since 2018. Advocates say the failed legislation would have protected ratepayers from cost shifts and environmental impacts associated with the growth of energy-intensive data center facilities in the state.
Maine's legislature approved a temporary ban on data center construction through November 2027, making it the first state to pass such a measure, while also establishing a council to develop safeguards regarding energy prices and other potential impacts on residents. The bill faces potential gubernatorial veto and has drawn opposition from business groups citing competitive disadvantages, though supporters argue the pause will allow the state to address electricity cost concerns.
Voters in Festus, Missouri ousted four incumbent city council members in an election with 129% higher turnout, following the council's approval of a $6 billion data center project by CRG Clayco. The four elected anti-data center candidates ran on platforms emphasizing transparency and opposition to the development.
Washington Township planning commissioners voted to continue developing an ordinance to regulate data centers, with officials consulting on issues including noise limits, water usage capacity, and environmental safeguards. Residents and experts raised concerns about potential long-term environmental and health impacts, while township engineers emphasized the need to establish usage limits for resources like water.
Lowell, Massachusetts unanimously voted for a one-year moratorium on data center development, and Everett residents are campaigning for a ban, as communities across the country increasingly oppose facilities citing concerns about noise, air pollution, water consumption, and strain on electrical grids. The facilities' growing energy demand—U.S. data centers consumed as much electricity in 2024 as Pakistan uses annually—has prompted opposition from over 140 activist groups in 24 states and calls from Senator Bernie Sanders for a nationwide construction pause.
Imperial County residents have launched a ballot initiative to prohibit data centers after developer Sebastian Rucci proposed a 330-megawatt hyperscale facility on county land near residential areas without environmental review under California law. The project has energized community opposition citing concerns about precedent and past broken promises from industrial development, though some local groups support the facility for its potential economic benefits.
Utah Rep. Mike Kennedy is proposing that Congress adopt Utah's "sandbox" approach to AI policy—which allows companies to operate under regulatory oversight before rules are finalized—as a way to break the congressional deadlock over President Trump's national AI framework. Kennedy's proposal follows the success of Utah's state-level AI policy office, which has drafted liability agreements with companies and created regulations based on industry feedback.
Champaign County's Zoning Board of Appeals voted on March 19 to impose a one-year moratorium on data centers larger than 10,000 square feet, citing concerns about regional water and energy impacts. The moratorium proposal, which aligns with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition's POWER Act introduced in February, now proceeds to the county board for a final vote.
South Carolina congresswoman Nancy Mace is calling for legislation requiring data centers to pay for their own energy infrastructure costs, modeled after a Florida bill that would prevent utility companies from passing those expenses to residential ratepayers. A February 2026 poll found 79% of South Carolina respondents support requiring data centers to either generate their own power or pay for grid upgrades.
An Ars Technica opinion piece critiques statements by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman about AI's future benefits, arguing that his optimistic framing overlooks potential downsides and reflects a broader pattern of uncritical technological utopianism among Silicon Valley leaders. The author contrasts Altman's vision of accelerating progress and prosperity with skepticism about whether such outcomes will materialize.
HMC Capital withdrew its application to build a data center in Monterey Park, California following community opposition to the project. Environmental and community groups had campaigned against the proposal, citing concerns about water consumption, electricity costs, and climate impacts.
Kentucky's Attorney General filed the state's first lawsuit under the Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act eight days after the law took effect on January 1, 2026, targeting Character.AI for allegedly processing minors' sensitive data without consent and repurposing user data to train AI models. The enforcement action, which bypassed the law's 30-day cure period, signals the state's aggressive stance on AI governance and highlights risks from undisclosed AI systems in organizations.
Future Workforce Systems (FWS Enterprise)·Apr 7·Kentucky
A Missouri Senate bill establishing liability guidelines for artificial intelligence was stalled over concerns that it could provoke federal retaliation and jeopardize nearly $900 million in remaining broadband funding for rural areas. The bill would specify that liability for AI-caused harm resides with a person or organization rather than the AI system itself, while proposed amendments would restrict minors' access to AI chatbots and prohibit AI from prescribing medications.
Washington state rolled back a sales tax exemption for data center operators replacing or refurbishing server equipment, effective July 1, 2026, while keeping the exemption available for new data center construction. The move follows state concerns that data center growth is increasing power demand and potentially hindering the state's decarbonization goals.
Louisiana has filed legislation to extend tax incentives and exemptions similar to those used to attract data centers to the aerospace sector, with proposed bills offering sales tax rebates, Industrial Tax Exemption Program eligibility, and liability protections for aerospace companies meeting thresholds of at least 200 jobs and $1 billion in capital investment. The state used comparable incentive packages to land major data center projects including Meta's $20 billion facility in Richland Parish.
Texas will lose an estimated $3.2 billion in sales tax revenue over two years due to a data center tax exemption, with annual losses projected to exceed $1.3 billion and continue growing as AI-driven facility expansion accelerates. State lawmakers are considering legislation to limit or repeal the exemption, which has grown from costing $5–30 million annually in the early 2010s to becoming one of the nation's most expensive tax incentive programs.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed SB 1546 into law on April 1, 2026, requiring chatbot operators to implement safety protections for minors, including disclosure that users are interacting with AI and protocols to prevent harmful outputs, with provisions taking effect January 1, 2027. The bill passed the Oregon legislature with overwhelming support (26-1 in the Senate, 52-0 in the House) and follows California's earlier passage of similar chatbot safety legislation.
Denver City Council advanced a one-year moratorium on new data center construction beginning May 21 to allow time for developing regulations addressing water use, community safety, and equity concerns. The pause would not affect existing permitted or under-construction facilities, and a working group of community members, industry stakeholders, and experts would be established to recommend future guidelines.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey stated that the state needs data centers to support its innovation economy and will not support a ban, contrasting with Maine Governor Janet Mills's support for a data-center moratorium. Healey acknowledged community concerns but suggested collaborative approaches rather than prohibitive policies could address potential drawbacks.
Independence voters defeated every incumbent councilmember who supported a $6 billion Nebius data center tax-incentive package, signaling a coordinated anti-data-center rebuke across multiple Missouri municipalities in the same week.
An Indianapolis councilmember's home was fired upon with 13 bullets and left with a "No Data Centers" note after he publicly supported approval of a $500 million data center project in his district. The shooting reflects broader national tensions over AI infrastructure expansion, as communities across the U.S. increasingly oppose data center construction citing environmental and energy concerns.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein called on lawmakers to reduce or eliminate state tax breaks for data centers, citing concerns about rising energy costs for residents and projecting potential losses of billions in state revenue. Stein argued that large technology companies should pay their share of electricity costs rather than having taxpayers subsidize their operations.
Kootenai County in Idaho lifted its data center moratorium and instead implemented a ban on facilities located directly over the local aquifer, along with conditional use permit requirements that allow for public comment. The action reflects a trend in Mountain West counties that have imposed their own data center regulations rather than supporting a proposed national moratorium backed by progressive lawmakers concerned about AI's environmental and social impacts.
KUNR Public Radio / Mountain West News Bureau (kunr.org)·Mar 27·Idaho
Maine is among twelve states that have pursued moratoriums on new data center construction, with Maine potentially becoming the first state to successfully implement such a policy.from headline
Google News — Data Center Moratoriums·Apr 11·United States
Iranian state media used AI-generated content featuring Lego animations and other synthetic imagery to spread messages about the conflict, which became more widely shared on social media than authentic documentation of casualties from U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran. The article examines how the Iranian regime shifted from earlier efforts to suppress footage of internal protests to deploying AI-generated propaganda during the conflict.
Google said that links to Polymarket betting markets appearing in Google News search results alongside legitimate news articles were an error and have been removed. A Google spokesperson stated the prediction market site never met the company's eligibility policies for news content inclusion.
Arkansas State Sen. Bryan King filed five bills during the fiscal session aimed at regulating data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations, including measures for public notice requirements and state monitoring of electricity and water usage. The bills would require a two-thirds vote in both chambers to advance, and King acknowledged uncertainty about passage while noting the need for a House co-sponsor.
Minnesota residents from multiple cities are lobbying state legislators for a moratorium on data center development and a ban on nondisclosure agreements that local officials have signed with developers. The coalition achieved some traction on the NDA ban in committees but saw limited support for the moratorium, which they view as necessary to allow time for regulations to catch up with rapid project development.
A group called Stop the AI Race organized protests outside the San Francisco headquarters of Anthropic, OpenAI, and xAI on Saturday, calling on the companies' CEOs to publicly commit to pausing frontier AI development if all other major labs do the same. The protesters cited recent statements from DeepMind and OpenAI leaders expressing openness to conditional pauses, while noting that Anthropic dropped its own safety pause commitment in February and OpenAI has weakened its safety commitments during restructuring.
An Iranian content creation group called Explosive Media has produced AI-generated Lego videos that have gone viral, particularly on social media platforms, depicting US military operations in a critical light and attributing their popularity to emotional resonance rather than state backing. The group claims to operate independently with about 10 members, though their prolific output and timing have led some observers to suspect ties to Iranian government media operations.
Trump's AI data center expansion faces significant delays due to supply chain constraints on power infrastructure components, exacerbated by tariffs on Chinese imports, while local and state-level moratoriums on data center construction are gaining traction in response to community concerns about electricity costs and environmental impact.
Florida's SB 484, awaiting Governor DeSantis's signature, establishes the state's first regulations on hyperscale data centers and requires utilities to ensure that facility costs are not passed to ratepayers, though experts note the law leaves implementation details to utilities and local governments. The measure comes as multiple large data centers have been proposed in Florida amid concerns about energy consumption and infrastructure impacts.
The Invading Sea / Inside Climate News·Mar 31·Florida
Michigan state senator and US Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow released a seven-point data center policy plan requiring developers to fund their own energy and infrastructure costs, hire union workers, and prohibit nondisclosure agreements between tech companies and local governments. The plan also calls for monthly data publishing on resource usage, independent audits, community reinvestment funds, and restrictions on AI data center operations in adversarial nations.
Senators Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced legislation to pause new data center construction until federal safeguards are established for worker protections and environmental concerns, though the bill faces broad bipartisan opposition from lawmakers who view a moratorium as economically disadvantageous to the United States relative to China.
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, which would pause AI data center development until federal safeguards address safety, worker protection, and environmental concerns. The bill would also restrict U.S. exports of AI computing infrastructure to countries lacking equivalent safety measures.
Office of Senator Bernie Sanders·Mar 25·United States
An Ohio man became the first person convicted under the Take It Down Act after pleading guilty to creating and distributing non-consensual intimate images of at least 10 victims using AI tools and real photographs. The 37-year-old continued creating and sharing such images even after his initial arrest and while on pre-trial release, facing potential prison sentences of up to two to three years depending on whether the images depicted adults or minors.
A Pennsylvania state police corporal pleaded guilty to creating over 3,000 AI-generated pornographic deepfakes using photos obtained from state driver's license databases and covert recordings, along with other felonies including possession of child sexual abuse material and theft. The case reflects a growing trend of deepfake sexual imagery abuse, following a similar incident involving high school students who created deepfakes of classmates.
Meta has lost two major court cases—one in New Mexico over child sexual exploitation on its platforms and one in Los Angeles regarding harms to a young user's mental health—and announced layoffs of approximately 700 employees, primarily from its Reality Labs division that oversees Metaverse products. The company plans to appeal the verdicts and has pivoted toward significant investment in artificial intelligence, moving away from its earlier emphasis on virtual reality development.
Senators Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced legislation to pause new AI data center construction until national safeguards are established for worker protections, civil liberties, and environmental concerns. The proposal faces opposition from Republican-controlled Congress and some Democrats, including Senator John Fetterman, who argue a moratorium could disadvantage the United States against China.
Hawaii's HB 1782, a bill regulating AI companions involving minors, passed the state House. The bill advanced as part of broader state legislative activity on AI regulation across multiple states in March 2026.
Troutman Privacy + Cyber + AI / LegiScan·Mar 30·Hawaii
Virginia lawmakers passed 15 data center bills during the 2026 session but remain deadlocked over a $1.6 billion annual tax exemption, with the Senate seeking to eliminate it entirely while the House proposes tying it to environmental compliance, delaying the state budget resolution to a special session scheduled for April 23rd. New legislation also shifts energy costs to high-demand data centers and establishes stricter siting requirements for large facilities.
The Festus city council voted 6-2 to approve a $6 billion data center project in Jefferson County, prompting residents to initiate a recall petition against the mayor and council members who cite concerns about transparency and lack of community input. Mayor Sam Richards stated the vote was not final and denied allegations of impropriety, while residents are gathering signatures needed for a recall effort under Missouri law.
ProPublica's union voted to authorize a strike over demands including a ban on AI-related layoffs, just cause protections for firings, seniority provisions, and wage increases, marking the first major U.S. newsroom strike centered on AI protections. ProPublica management countered that freezing AI adoption decisions in a contract would be irresponsible and proposed expanded severance packages instead.
The Illinois Senate is reviewing more than 50 AI-related bills in a work session on April 9, 2026, with SB 3312 and five other measures highlighted as particularly significant, addressing issues including child safety with chatbots, AI product liability, catastrophic risk management, transparency, and restrictions on AI-prescribed medications. The legislative effort positions Illinois among the most active states in AI regulation.
Indianapolis's Metropolitan Development Commission approved rezoning for a proposed data center in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood despite community protests over concerns about noise, water use, and power demands in an area with existing environmental contamination. The project by California-based startup Metrobloks now moves to the City-County Council for final approval.
Tennessee Governor Lee signed SB 1580 on April 1, 2026, prohibiting AI developers and deployers from advertising AI systems as qualified mental health professionals, with violations subject to civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation under the state's Consumer Protection Act and private right of action. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
North Carolina communities are pushing back against proposed data center projects, with residents and environmental groups filing a lawsuit challenging the Stokes County rezoning that would allow construction of a large AI data center on land with historical significance to Black farming communities. Opponents cite concerns about strain on water resources, noise and light pollution, air emissions, and infrastructure inadequacy, while developers argue such facilities are necessary for powering artificial intelligence expansion.
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced legislation that would pause construction and upgrades of AI data centers until federal regulations are enacted to address AI risks, energy costs, and environmental effects. The proposal contrasts with the Trump administration's framework, released the previous week, which called for streamlined data center permitting and limits on AI firm liability.
Tennessee HB 1847 would allow data centers with at least 50 megawatts of power capacity to self-generate electricity or purchase power from independent producers without state regulatory approval, a measure supporters say protects ratepayers from subsidizing infrastructure costs but which environmental advocates warn could lead to unregulated gas turbine installations. The bill comes as data centers expand rapidly across the state, exemplified by Elon Musk's xAI facility in Memphis, which currently operates gas turbines to meet its power needs.
Wyoming is hosting a closed-door summit in Jackson on April 1-2 to pitch itself to major technology companies as a location for AI data center development, competing with other states for a share of rapidly expanding data center construction. The state is emphasizing advantages including low population density, cheap electricity, streamlined permitting, tax benefits, and a cool climate suitable for data center cooling.
Idaho Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1227, directing the Idaho Department of Education to develop a statewide framework for integrating generative AI into K-12 classrooms that is human-centered, transparent, and safe. The law, which had no predecessor guidelines, was intentionally left open-ended to allow the framework to adapt as AI technology evolves.
Montana Rep. Rosenzweig is calling for a four-year moratorium on data center construction in the state, citing concerns about redacted documents in negotiations between Northwestern Energy, potential corporate partners, and the Public Service Commission regarding massive AI-powered facilities. The representative is also requesting full disclosure of currently redacted information and wants the state to hold at least 30 public hearings across Montana over 12-18 months to address transparency and environmental impact concerns.
A program called OpenClaw for building AI bots has become a viral phenomenon in China, with widespread public enthusiasm driven partly by fear of missing out, though the central government has restricted its use on official computers due to security concerns. Some local Chinese governments are promoting OpenClaw adoption with the goal of enabling individual workers to operate with AI agent assistance.
Arizona HB 2756 prohibits data center operators from shifting grid infrastructure costs to utility customers, constraining project economics in a state where federal executive orders are accelerating development on federal lands. The legislation represents one of several state-level regulatory controls—including water ordinances and zoning restrictions—that remain binding constraints on data center projects despite federal permitting reforms.
Baltimore City Council introduced a one-year moratorium on large data center development, citing concerns about rising energy costs for residents and potential impacts on neighborhoods and public health. The proposal aligns with a state energy bill package that would require data centers to pay for their own infrastructure upgrades to the electric grid.
Tech companies including Amazon and Google are investing over $100 billion in Pennsylvania data center projects to support artificial intelligence infrastructure, citing the state's diverse energy sources and favorable regulatory environment. The investments have been championed by state officials, though Pennsylvania residents have been slower to embrace the developments.
Delaware's Coastal Zone Industrial Control Board upheld a ban on Starwood Digital Ventures' proposed data center in New Castle County, ruling that the facility qualifies as heavy industry under the state's 1971 Coastal Zone Act and therefore cannot be built in the coastal zone. The board determined that the data center's 516 diesel backup fuel tanks, high power consumption of 1.2 gigawatts, and operational complexity aligned with heavy industry characteristics despite Starwood's arguments that it should be classified as data storage rather than industrial use.
Cheyenne is annexing surrounding county land to manage growth from major data center construction, including Meta's Project Cosmo and other facilities that require substantial infrastructure and utility support. The city began systematic annexations in 2022 and has expanded boundaries to incorporate data centers, which provide economic benefits and allow companies to access lower water and sewer rates within city limits.
The White House released a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence on March 20, 2026, offering nonbinding legislative recommendations to Congress that prioritize child safety, innovation, and a unified federal approach to AI regulation while cautioning against fragmented state laws. The Framework reflects the Trump Administration's preference for national uniformity and aligns with concurrent congressional proposals, including Senator Marsha Blackburn's updated TRUMP AMERICA AI Act.
Senators Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have introduced legislation that would impose a moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers.from headline
Google News — Data Center Moratoriums·Mar 25·United States
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed legislation placing restrictions on data centers, requiring those using 10 megawatts or more of power to cover electrical infrastructure costs, manage water use responsibly, and allow local governments to regulate them, after lawmakers rejected tax incentive proposals for the industry. The state also authorized its Public Utilities Commission to charge data centers for regulatory review costs.
KOTA TV / South Dakota Searchlight·Mar 25·South Dakota
Germany is considering legislation that would punish creators of deepfake pornography with sentences of up to two years, following a high-profile case involving a celebrity accused of creating non-consensual deepfake videos. The proposed law would expand beyond existing measures that only targeted distributors of such content.
Nebraska's Legislature passed LB1261 by a vote of 34-7, allowing private companies to build and operate data centers in the state provided they connect to public utilities and fund necessary infrastructure upgrades. The bill advanced despite opposition from Senator Danielle Conrad and others concerned about potential impacts on energy rates, water usage, and the state's economy.
Anchorage adopted Ordinance AO 2026-27 on March 27, 2026, establishing a new regulatory framework for data centers that creates a dedicated zoning category, requires conditional use permits, and imposes design standards and utility capacity requirements. The ordinance reflects broader municipal and state efforts to manage land use and infrastructure impacts as data center development accelerates across the country.
Davis Wright Tremaine / Anchorage Daily News·Mar 27·Alaska
Hawaii's HB 2458, a surveillance pricing bill, advanced out of a Senate committee after amendment. The bill restricts the use of consumer data to determine prices for food sales.
Oklahoma House Bill 2992, authored by Rep. Brad Boles, passed the chamber 92-2 and would require data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and AI facilities to bear costs of system upgrades rather than distributing those expenses to residential and small business ratepayers. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Oklahoma House of Representatives (official release) / NonDoc·Mar 23·Oklahoma
Tech companies including SpaceX and Starcloud are pursuing plans to build AI data centers in orbit, citing the advantage of continuous solar power availability in space, though experts debate whether the technology and economics will prove viable in the near term. Google and other firms are also exploring orbital data-center concepts amid concerns about terrestrial power constraints for expanding AI infrastructure.
Recent jury verdicts against Meta and Google found the companies liable for designing addictive social media features that harmed young users, potentially signaling a shift toward greater legal accountability for technology platforms. The verdicts, which awarded millions in damages, represent a departure from previous legal precedent that shielded online platforms from liability for user-generated content.
Connecticut legislators are advancing multiple AI regulation bills in the final weeks of the session, including measures on data privacy and consumer protection, after years of failed broader regulatory attempts. Industry groups have raised objections to some proposals as lawmakers attempt to balance innovation with protections for residents' privacy and civil rights.
Three AI-related bills have reached Georgia Governor Brian Kemp's desk as the state legislature prepares to adjourn on April 6, covering chatbot disclosure and child safety, creation of an AI study committee, and restrictions on AI use in healthcare insurance coverage decisions. The bills are among numerous AI-focused legislation advancing across multiple states during their 2026 legislative sessions.
Transparency Coalition AI Legislative Update·Apr 3·Georgia
Arizona's HB 2311, a bill requiring chatbots to disclose their AI nature to child users, passed the Arizona House in February and is advancing through the state Senate with bipartisan support. The measure is part of a broader wave of chatbot safety legislation moving through state legislatures across the country.
Transparency Coalition AI / LegiScan·Mar 24·Arizona
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1170 and House Bill 2225, requiring large AI companies to include watermarks and metadata on substantially modified AI-generated content and mandating that AI chatbots disclose their non-human nature to users, with additional protections for minors including hourly disclosures and prohibitions on sexually explicit conversations and manipulative engagement techniques. The laws also ban AI companions from encouraging self-harm and require companies to establish protocols for flagging concerning conversations and connecting users with mental health services.
The Trump administration filed lawsuits against Illinois, Connecticut, and Arizona on Thursday, arguing that prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket should be regulated exclusively by the federal government rather than state gambling commissions. The suits represent an escalation of federal support for the prediction market industry, which states have challenged as unlicensed gambling operations that circumvent state laws.
Louisiana lawmakers have withdrawn or stalled multiple AI regulation bills following Trump administration threats to withhold federal broadband funding from states that pass conflicting AI regulations, though some bipartisan legislators continue pursuing at least six proposals despite uncertainty about enforcement priorities. The withdrawn bills addressed topics including AI use in health insurance decisions, identity recreation, employment disclosure, and child-targeted chatbots.
Colorado environmental groups are backing legislation that would require data center developers to fund climate-friendly energy and grid upgrades, while labor unions oppose the measure, arguing it would drive construction jobs to neighboring states. The dispute highlights a broader tension between environmental and labor movements over balancing climate goals with employment opportunities.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 2225 on March 24, 2026, establishing regulations for AI companion chatbots that take effect January 1, 2027, requiring operators to disclose the artificial nature of chatbots, implement protections for minors against manipulative and sexually explicit content, and maintain mental health safety protocols including crisis referral systems. The law will be enforced by the Washington Attorney General and includes a private right of action for violations.
Hunton Andrews Kurth Privacy & Cybersecurity Law Blog·Mar 24·Washington
South Dakota rejected proposed one-year moratoriums on hyperscale data center construction and instead passed legislation blocking the state from restricting local governments' authority to regulate data centers. State-level moratorium efforts across 11 states have stalled despite gaining traction at the municipal level, where dozens of communities have temporarily paused new data center projects.
Sen. Bernie Sanders is introducing legislation to halt new data center construction until Congress enacts AI regulations. The bill represents a push from the populist left amid growing public concerns about artificial intelligence.
Pennsylvania's House of Representatives passed HB 1834 on a 104-95 vote, directing the state Public Utility Commission to develop regulations for data centers that would prevent electric companies from passing infrastructure and energy costs onto ratepayers and require data centers to source increasing percentages of renewable energy starting at 10% in 2027. Republicans opposed the measure, arguing it fails to address the need for new power generation capacity within the state.
As data centers expand geographically across the United States, some jurisdictions have begun implementing bans or moratoria on their development.from headline
Google News — Data Center Moratoriums·Apr 12·United States
Washington's House Bill 2515, which would have required utilities to establish specific tariffs for data centers over 20 megawatts to address cost allocation and grid reliability, passed the House but died in the Senate during the 2026 legislative session. The bill reflected competing concerns about accommodating data center growth for economic benefits while protecting other ratepayers from increased costs and ensuring grid stability.
Davis Wright Tremaine / Washington State Standard·Mar 18·Washington
West Virginia's legislature approved House Bill 4983 in March 2026, which would keep applications and letters of intent for high-impact data center projects confidential at the state Department of Commerce. The measure follows the 2025 passage of House Bill 2014, which limited local government authority over data center development in the state.
NetChoice testified in opposition to Hawaii SB 3001, an artificial intelligence safety bill, arguing that while it contains constructive elements like AI disclosure requirements and protections for minors, its data privacy mandates and reporting requirements create unnecessary compliance burdens that could harm smaller innovators. The group specifically objected to provisions restricting targeted advertising, contending they lack connection to AI safety goals and could reduce service diversity for Hawaii residents.
Maine's legislature has voted to maintain existing gun safety laws while creating a mechanism for certain nonviolent offenders to restore their rights.from headline
Maine lawmakers will vote on LD 307, which proposes a moratorium on data center development until November 2027 to study environmental and grid impacts, and LD 713, which would exclude data centers from state tax incentive programs. The bills reflect competing concerns about data centers' potential economic benefits versus their effects on electricity consumption, water use, and job creation.
$64 billion in U.S. data center projects have been blocked or delayed over the past two years amid local opposition driven by concerns about utility costs, water consumption, noise, and environmental impact. The backlash has emerged across political lines, with Republican officials citing tax incentives and grid strain while Democrats focus on environmental effects.
Nevada lawmakers held a hearing Wednesday to gather information on potential statewide regulations for AI data centers, with energy and water consumption emerging as primary concerns ahead of a possible 2027 legislative proposal. Industry representatives, utilities, and environmental groups presented data showing that 12 proposed data centers could increase Nevada's energy load by nearly 50 percent and that existing facilities consumed over 352 million gallons of water last year.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost certified a ballot petition to ban data centers consuming more than 25 megawatts monthly, allowing the proposal to advance to the Ohio Ballot Board for review before signature-gathering begins. The group behind the initiative must collect over 413,000 valid signatures from at least half of Ohio's counties by July 1 to place the measure on the November ballot, while the data center industry warns such a ban would disadvantage Ohio's economic competitiveness.
Lowell, Massachusetts passed a one-year moratorium on new data center development or expansion, allowing city officials time to review zoning codes and assess infrastructure impacts while permitting ongoing work at the existing Markley Group facility. The move follows a January pause on data center consideration and joins similar moratoriums in other states as municipalities seek to establish clearer regulations for the industry.
Kentucky lawmakers advanced several bills this week, including measures on student discipline, school administrator pay, and data centers, as the state legislative session nears its end with two remaining days before the governor's veto period begins. The Republican-controlled General Assembly is working to finalize legislation before the deadline for passing veto-proof bills on March 27, 2026.
California Senate Bills 886 and 887 advanced from committee this week, with SB 886 requiring the state Public Utilities Commission to establish a tariff for data center customers and SB 887 mandating that data center projects comply with environmental review requirements while offering expedited approval for projects meeting certain conditions like using recycled water and renewable energy. The bills, introduced by Senator Steve Padilla, face opposition from industry groups concerned about litigation delays but aim to address rising energy costs and environmental impacts on residents.
$64 billion in U.S. data center projects have been blocked or delayed over the past two years amid opposition from at least 142 activist groups across 24 states, citing concerns including utility costs, water consumption, noise, and environmental impact. The resistance spans both political parties and represents a shift in local opposition focus toward AI and data-center infrastructure.
Hawaii's Senate unanimously passed SB 3001, a chatbot bill focused on minor protection and AI disclosure requirements. The bill is part of a broader wave of state AI legislation in 2026, with multiple states advancing similar chatbot regulation, pricing restrictions, and health care-related AI measures.
Four data center regulation bills await Governor Spanberger's signature, addressing water usage reporting, site assessments including noise studies, generator requirements, and waste heat reuse as Southwest Virginia faces multiple proposed facilities. The measures reflect concerns from residents and lawmakers about environmental impacts, while some stakeholders argue more comprehensive state-level oversight is needed.
The White House released a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence on March 20, 2026, outlining nonbinding legislative recommendations that prioritize child safety, innovation, and federal preemption of state AI laws, aligned with Senator Marsha Blackburn's updated TRUMP AMERICA AI Act draft released two days prior. The Framework reflects the Trump Administration's preference for unified national AI standards over the current patchwork of state regulations.
Nebraska senators advanced LB1261, a bill requiring large private energy projects such as data centers to connect to public utilities and fund necessary infrastructure upgrades, in response to Google's proposed data center in the state. The bill divided lawmakers, with supporters arguing it would shift costs from ratepayers to private companies and opponents raising environmental concerns about water and power consumption.
Ohio Senate Bill 378 would require data centers to pay for water and sewer infrastructure costs they incur and obtain permits limiting their water withdrawal to no more than five million gallons per day on average. The bill, introduced by Democratic lawmakers on March 16, represents one of several recent regulatory proposals targeting data center operations in the state.
New Castle County, Delaware implemented its first data center regulations, which require facilities to maintain buffer zones from residential areas, use efficient backup generators, and employ closed-loop cooling systems to reduce water consumption. The regulations apply only to newly proposed projects, exempting existing developments like the controversial Project Washington near Delaware City.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis released a draft bill on March 17, 2026, that would replace the state's existing AI Act with a narrower framework focused on disclosure, recordkeeping, and consumer notice requirements for automated decision-making technology, repealing provisions requiring duty of care and algorithmic discrimination protections. The proposal aligns more closely with California's privacy-focused approach and introduces new exemptions for low-stakes decisions, advertising, content moderation, and certain non-machine-learning technologies.
Utah's HB 286, which would have required major AI companies to develop safety and child protection plans along with whistleblower protections, stalled in the state House after the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs opposed the bill, stating it conflicted with the administration's AI agenda.
Anthropic filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after being designated a "supply chain risk" by the Pentagon, requiring defense contractors to certify they don't use the company's Claude AI models in work with the military. The company seeks to vacate the designation, arguing the action is unlawful and could cost it hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
The Alabama Senate unanimously passed legislation that would reduce the maximum data-center tax abatement period from 30 years to 20 years starting January 1, 2027, and require large data centers using 100 megawatts or more of electricity to pay state sales and use taxes. The bill extends the current tax incentive sunset date to 2032 while allowing the governor to waive tax requirements for facilities in economically struggling counties.
The Florida House reduced transparency requirements in data center regulation bill SB 484, allowing state agencies to sign non-disclosure agreements that keep company expansion plans confidential for up to a year, before sending the measure back to the Senate for final approval. The changes align the bill with White House policies on AI data center regulation and move away from transparency provisions the Senate had previously included.
A Minnesota House bill would prohibit municipalities and their officials from signing nondisclosure agreements with data center developers, following controversy over St. Louis County commissioners' secret NDA with Google regarding a proposed facility in Hermantown. The measure advanced from committee without dissent and addresses public concerns about transparency in data center development decisions.
Georgia's state Senate passed SB 410, which would repeal the sales and use tax exemption for data center equipment and require data centers to cover the full cost of new power infrastructure they require, shifting costs away from residential and retail customers. The bill now moves to the House before the legislative session ends in April, amid broader debate over how to allocate electricity infrastructure costs as data center demand surges in the state.
Virginia's proposed HB1515 moratorium on data centers was defeated, while 15 other bills related to data-center policy were sent to Governor Spanberger.from headline
Michigan has more than 25 proposed or under-construction AI data centers across over a dozen counties as of 2026, with major projects including OpenAI's $7 billion Stargate facility in Saline Township and Google's 1-gigawatt data center in Van Buren Township, raising concerns about energy consumption and community impacts. Lawmakers are moving to block state grants for at least one of these facilities, according to the headline.
Oregon lawmakers approved a one-year moratorium on tax breaks for data centers as part of an economic incentives bill, citing concerns about energy and water consumption from expanding AI hyperscale facilities. The moratorium would give a state advisory committee time to study the issue while Governor Kotek's enterprise zone program continues to operate.
The Florida Senate approved a weakened version of SB 484 that requires data centers to pay for their own utilities while allowing state agencies to sign non-disclosure agreements with companies for up to one year, a provision that limits public transparency compared to the original bill. The measure will go to Governor DeSantis for signature and includes requirements for state agencies to study data center construction and operations.
Google is considering building a data center in Nebraska that would require more than three times the power used by Lincoln, to be fueled by a privately built natural gas plant with carbon capture technology, contingent on passage of legislation allowing private power facilities to serve large industrial customers. The proposal, involving Tenaska and Tallgrass Energy, could be operational by 2029, though details remain largely undisclosed.
Senator Tom Cotton's DATA Act of 2026 creates a new category of off-grid electric utility exempt from federal regulation, allowing data center operators to build privately financed power systems without federal oversight while remaining subject to state and local permitting. The bill aims to bypass lengthy federal interconnection processes, though exemptions from reliability standards and other regulatory requirements are expected to prove controversial.
Sedgwick County commissioners unanimously voted to extend a moratorium on data center permit applications until June 11, 2026, to allow additional time for studying impacts on energy, water, and property values, as well as gathering public input before establishing zoning regulations. The extension follows an initial 90-day suspension that began in January.
The Trump administration ordered federal agencies and military contractors to cease business with Anthropic after the company refused to allow unrestricted Pentagon use of its AI technology, citing concerns about autonomous weapons and mass surveillance of U.S. citizens. The Pentagon designated Anthropic a "supply chain risk," a designation typically used for foreign adversaries, while Anthropic stated it would challenge the decision in court.
Vermont lawmakers are considering bill S.205, which would temporarily ban artificial intelligence data center construction requiring over 100 megawatts of electricity until 2030 while the state studies environmental impacts, though Senator White has expressed concern that the measure could trigger federal backlash under Trump's executive order prohibiting state AI regulation. The proposal has drawn mixed responses, with supporters citing resource demands and the need for statewide coordination, while opponents question whether such a moratorium is necessary given the lack of current development pressure.
Vermont Community News Service (UVM)·Mar 3·Vermont
Connecticut's General Law Committee approved two bills—SB-4 and SB-5—that would amend the state's privacy law and regulate AI and online safety, with provisions including a data deletion mechanism similar to California's, mandatory algorithmic pricing disclosures, and a geolocation data sales ban. The bills were advanced to the next legislative stage following a committee hearing earlier in March.
Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro's budget proposal includes measures for selective data center development alongside AI protections, as the state has become a major hub for data center investment with multiple bills under consideration addressing energy reporting, municipal zoning, and developer transparency requirements.
Duane Morris Government Strategies (statecapitallobbyist.com)·Mar 9·Pennsylvania
Former North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest launched the North Carolina Blockchain + AI Initiative to advocate for pro-cryptocurrency legislation and support data-center construction in the state. The initiative faces opposition from groups concerned about energy consumption, water use, and environmental impacts of data centers.
Ohio House Bill 706 would extend American Electric Power's data center tariff statewide, requiring large-scale data center projects to commit to covering at least 85% of their projected energy costs and establishing long-term service agreements with utilities. The measure aims to address concerns from local communities that have enacted data center moratoriums while preventing utilities from shifting infrastructure costs to other customers.
The Statehouse News Bureau (WOSU/StateNews.org)·Mar 2·Ohio
Following the Trump administration's designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk, multiple defense contractors and tech companies are removing Claude from their systems and switching to alternative AI models for government work. The move comes after Anthropic executives refused Pentagon demands for assurances regarding the use of their AI in autonomous weapons and domestic surveillance.
Environmental and advocacy groups filed a motion challenging the Montana Public Service Commission's decision to keep NorthWestern Energy's data-center contracts confidential, arguing the utility failed to demonstrate the information qualifies as trade secrets. The PSC maintains it applies Montana's public-records law consistently while protecting genuinely confidential information where required by law.
Connecticut legislation would require data centers and other large power users to supply their own electricity rather than rely solely on the state's grid. The bill aims to codify a "bring your own power" mandate for the facilities.
At least 25 Michigan communities have enacted local data center moratoriums while state lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill to temporarily halt new data center approvals statewide until April 2027, citing concerns about electricity grid strain. Proposed data center projects in the state could require generation capacity equivalent to multiple nuclear plants, straining utilities as Michigan retires coal plants.
Kansas Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi has called for Sedgwick County to adopt a three-year moratorium on data center development, citing lack of transparency and community opposition, and threatening state-level legislation if the county commission does not act. The Sedgwick County Farm Bureau supports the moratorium, raising concerns about impacts on farming, the electrical grid, roads, and drainage infrastructure.
Idaho House Bill 820 would revise sales tax exemptions for data center equipment and property tax exemptions for certain capital investments. The bill was introduced on March 4, 2026, and referred to the Revenue and Taxation Committee on March 5, 2026.
Wisconsin Republicans have advanced two competing bills to regulate data centers: one would ban local governments from signing nondisclosure agreements on data center projects, while another would prohibit utilities from passing infrastructure costs to ratepayers and require data centers to generate renewable energy on-site and use closed-loop cooling systems. Both bills have faced scrutiny over their enforceability and potential economic impacts.
Alaska's Senate Bill 2, which proposes comprehensive AI governance addressing election deepfakes, state agency AI use, and data transfers, has stalled in committee as of March 2026, while the state's House Bill 47 criminalizing AI-generated child sexual abuse material passed unanimously and awaits Senate consideration.
Pennsylvania's House Energy Committee approved two bills on data center regulation: HB 2150 requires data centers to submit annual reports to the state detailing water and electricity consumption, while HB 2151 directs the state to develop a model zoning ordinance for municipalities to use in regulating data centers. Both bills passed on party-line votes of 14-12, with Republicans citing competitiveness concerns and litigation risks.
Montana's Public Service Commission blocked NorthWestern Energy from connecting data centers to its grid without public approval and regulatory review. The utility had initially attempted to bypass the PSC's oversight process and has delayed releasing its large-load pricing structure for data centers until June.
The Florida Senate approved legislation (SB 482) establishing parental control rights over children's AI chatbot interactions and requiring disclosure when people interact with AI systems, but the measure has stalled in the House where Speaker Daniel Perez argues AI regulation should occur at the federal level rather than the state level. The bill also includes provisions addressing political advertisements created with AI and restricting state contracts with AI firms linked to countries of concern.
New Mexico's 2026 legislative session ended without passing several key energy bills, including Clear Horizons climate legislation and a data-center microgrid oversight measure, though the state did enact an industrial decarbonization bill supporting low-carbon construction materials.
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project·Mar 6·New Mexico
Missouri legislators introduced the AI Infrastructure, Grid Integrity and Water Resource Protection Act, which would require data centers to pay for electricity grid infrastructure upgrades and obtain permits for using more than 2 million gallons of fresh water daily. The bill aims to prevent costs from being passed to residential ratepayers while allowing data center development in the state.
Massachusetts' House is considering the Consumer Data Privacy Act (H.4746), which would restrict data collection and sales while the Senate has already passed its own version of privacy legislation. The article argues that strong state privacy protections are necessary and feasible, citing existing privacy laws in other states as evidence that such measures do not harm businesses.
New Jersey's Assembly passed bill A796 in March 2026 to require large data centers consuming 100 megawatts or more of electricity to pay their own utility costs through a separate rate tariff rather than having those expenses distributed to residential customers. The legislation follows growing concerns about rising energy bills for households in the state, where nearly 80 data centers are either operational or under construction.
New Jersey's Senate Environment and Energy Committee passed a bill requiring new data centers to power their operations with renewable or nuclear energy, though the requirement would only take effect if a majority of 12 other regional states adopt similar measures. The measure aims to prevent electricity costs from rising further for utility customers as data center demand continues to outpace power supply.
Oklahoma's proposed three-year data center moratorium bill died in committee, reflecting Republican divisions over rapid data center expansion in the state, with supporters citing economic benefits like jobs and tax revenue while opponents raised concerns about electric grid capacity and water consumption. The measure would have paused new approvals to allow for infrastructure and regulatory review, though it would not affect already-approved or under-construction facilities.
South Carolina House Bill 5286 would impose a moratorium on all data center project approvals through 2028, blocking rezoning requests, special use permits, building permits, and economic incentives. The bill defines data centers as facilities processing digital data with at least one megawatt of electrical power capacity, and would allow time for research into environmental and utility impacts before resuming approvals.
WIS-TV / Fox Carolina / WRDW·Feb 26·South Carolina
The Franklin, Kentucky Zoning Commission approved TenKey Data Center's preliminary development plan on March 3 after a contentious four-hour meeting, as rural Kentucky communities increasingly attract data center development following the state's 2025 tax incentives for the industry.
Hood County commissioners are reconsidering a data center moratorium despite legal concerns about whether county authority under Texas law permits such restrictions. The county is weighing a request for an opinion from the Texas Attorney General and considering asking the governor to call a special legislative session to address rapid data center growth.
Vermont lawmakers are considering two bills to address potential data center development in the state: one would establish environmental and siting standards while protecting ratepayers, and another would impose a moratorium pending regulatory study. The push comes as developers have begun inquiring about locating facilities in Vermont, driven by federal policy support and artificial intelligence demand.
The Anchorage Assembly is developing zoning regulations to govern data center development in the city, requiring conditional-use permits, utility capacity reviews, and siting restrictions to industrial and commercial zones. The ordinance addresses a gap in local code as data centers proliferate nationally due to AI demand, with assembly members balancing potential economic benefits against concerns about power grid strain and resource demands.
Minnesota State Senator Erin Maye Quade introduced a package of bills to the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee that would regulate AI applications in health insurance, chatbots for children, and dynamic pricing. Quade cited concerns including AI-generated child exploitation material, data surveillance, and other harms as justification for state-level guardrails in the absence of federal regulation.
Alaska's House Bill 47 passed unanimously on February 27, 2026, criminalizing the distribution and possession of AI-generated child sexual abuse material while imposing $1 million civil penalties on AI platforms for each instance of misuse, and also expanding restrictions to include forged digital likenesses and social media rules for minors. The bill now advances to the Alaska Senate after addressing a gap in state law that previously prevented prosecution of AI-generated child exploitation cases.
Morton County, North Dakota completed a statewide data center model ordinance in January 2026 following a September 2024 moratorium on such facilities, with county planning staff presenting draft use standards to the Planning & Zoning Commission on February 25. The working group included representation from municipal and county associations, planning organizations, utilities, and data center industry representatives.
Morton County, North Dakota (official)·Feb 25·North Dakota
The Florida Senate unanimously passed SB 484 on Thursday, which restricts large-scale AI data centers by requiring public notice of development plans and addressing electricity and water consumption concerns. The measure now moves to the House, where a similar bill is being expedited, though a broader "Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights" measure has been postponed.
Hundreds of anti-AI protesters organized by activist groups Pause AI and Pull the Plug marched through London's King's Cross on February 28, 2026, expressing concerns ranging from job displacement to potential existential risks from artificial intelligence. The demonstration, described as the largest anti-AI protest to date, reflected growing public mobilization around AI governance issues, contrasting with much smaller protests in prior years.
Colorado's AI consumer protection law, originally set to take effect in February 2026, was delayed to June 30, 2026, as state officials and stakeholders debate potential repeal or revision of the statute amid concerns about its regulatory burden and possible federal preemption. Governor Jared Polis has convened a working group to develop consensus language for a potential repeal-and-replace bill ahead of the state's 2026 legislative session.
Opponents of large-scale data centers rallied at the Minnesota State Capitol to call for a two-year statewide moratorium and new regulations on hyperscale data center development. The protest comes amid growing concerns about data centers' impact in the state.
Environmental advocates and residents rallied at the Minnesota Capitol on February 18, 2026, calling for a moratorium on new hyperscale data centers and increased regulations, citing concerns about permitting processes and corporate influence. State legislators introduced proposals for a construction moratorium pending a comprehensive study, restrictions on non-disclosure agreements, and potential changes to tax exemptions for data centers.
Linn County, Iowa has adopted a comprehensive local zoning ordinance for data centers that includes requirements for water-use studies, agreements with the county, setback distances from residential areas, and developer contributions to infrastructure and community funds. The ordinance was developed in response to concerns from residents about water depletion, noise, and other environmental impacts from multiple data center projects in the rural county.
Pennsylvania faces growing grassroots opposition to plans for more than 50 data centers, with community groups and environmental activists citing concerns about electricity demands, water consumption, diesel generator use, and rural industrialization. The movement has drawn support from state lawmakers and gained momentum through social media organizing, with participants comparing the public response to be stronger than previous campaigns against the state's coal and natural gas industries.
Pennsylvania is facing increased grassroots opposition to over 50 planned data centers, with community groups and lawmakers citing concerns about electricity demand, water consumption, diesel generators, and rural industrialization. Organizers report unprecedented public mobilization against the projects, which they attribute partly to perceived lack of government consultation with affected residents.
Arkansas politicians have expressed mixed views on data center development, citing economic benefits while noting concerns about community impact, as five projects proceed across the state including Google's 1,100-acre facility in West Memphis. Planned data centers are also scheduled for Clarksville, Conway, the Port of Little Rock, and southeast Pulaski County.
Two Indiana bills aimed at regulating data center development—HB 1245 requiring an electricity demand study and SB 257—died without hearings during the 2026 legislative session, despite over 200 residents attending a public hearing to urge stronger oversight of the industry's expansion in the state.
West Virginia's legislature blocked amendments to SB 658 that would have given local governments more control over data center regulation.from headline
Governor Lamont has proposed a "bring your own power" policy that would require data center developers in Connecticut to secure their own energy sources rather than relying on the state's grid. The rule aims to manage the power demands of new data center facilities in the state.
Canada is pursuing regulation of artificial intelligence through existing privacy laws rather than enacting a standalone AI statute. The approach contrasts with other jurisdictions like the European Union, which has implemented comprehensive horizontal AI frameworks.
South Carolina lawmakers are considering S867, the Data Center Development Act, which would establish a state permitting office and require data center operators to cover infrastructure upgrade costs, with supporters citing protection of ratepayers and water resources and opponents warning the regulations could discourage investment and push projects to other states. The bill remains in committee pending additional public testimony.
Illinois's House Bill 3773 expanded the state's AI employment discrimination prohibitions effective January 1, 2026, requiring employers to notify employees and applicants whenever AI systems are used in hiring, promotion, or other employment decisions. The Illinois Department of Human Rights released draft rules defining "covered AI" broadly and establishing notice requirements for common practices including resume screening, video interview analysis, and job ad targeting.
Pemberton Township became New Jersey's first municipality to ban data centers when it passed ordinance 10-2026 on February 20, 2026, and Monroe Township announced plans to remove data centers as a permitted use from its zoning ordinance following months of community opposition to a proposed warehouse project.
Senator Katie Muth circulated a memo on February 12, 2026, announcing plans to introduce legislation for a three-year statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center development in Pennsylvania, citing concerns about energy consumption, water depletion, and infrastructure costs. Similar moratorium efforts have been pursued in multiple other states and by federal lawmakers, with the senator's memo noting that data centers can consume electricity equivalent to small cities and millions of gallons of water daily.
Pennsylvania State Senate (palegis.us)·Feb 12·Pennsylvania
Hawaii's SB 2281, an AI healthcare bill, advanced out of committee as part of broader state legislative activity on AI regulation in early 2026. The advancement comes amid multiple chatbot bills crossing chambers in other states and new AI legislation being introduced across the country.
Amazon announced a $12 billion investment in data center campuses across Caddo and Bossier Parishes in northwest Louisiana, expected to create 540 direct jobs and approximately 1,700 indirect jobs in the region. Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks, with the facilities designed to support cloud computing and AI infrastructure serving customers nationwide.
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) / opportunitylouisiana.gov·Feb 23·Louisiana
A coalition of environmental and community groups is calling on Montana's Public Service Commission to require NorthWestern Energy to publicly disclose details about its negotiations with at least 11 data center developers, citing concerns about impacts on existing ratepayers and system reliability. The utility has submitted redacted letters of intent to the PSC but has not provided full transparency on data center deals or related studies, the groups said.
Chatham County commissioners approved a 12-month moratorium on data center and cryptocurrency mining development to study environmental impacts and develop regulatory guidelines. The moratorium, which expires in February 2027, covers data processing facilities, web hosting, and related operations.
Kentucky House Bill 593 would require large data centers to prepay transmission and infrastructure costs attributable to serving their facilities, preventing those expenses from being passed to existing electricity customers. The bill, filed by GOP Rep. Josh Bray, comes after data center companies have sought locations in Kentucky to capitalize on recently enacted tax incentives.
Hood County commissioners rejected a proposed six-month moratorium on data center development after receiving a letter from a state senator warning that counties lack legal authority to issue such pauses. The 3-2 vote came following hours of testimony from residents concerned about water supply impacts from the facilities, which have proliferated in the county amid Texas's AI boom.
Wisconsin lawmakers are advancing legislation to ban nondisclosure agreements for new data center projects, arguing the public should have advance notice of major developments, while industry groups oppose the bills saying NDAs are necessary during early developmental stages. The state has seven major data center projects underway totaling over $57 billion, with four previously kept confidential through NDAs.
Wisconsin Economic Development Association / Wisconsin Public Radio·Feb 17·Wisconsin
Louisiana's Public Service Commission approved a new fast-track regulatory process for utility infrastructure projects serving large customers like AI data centers, which allows companies to cover at least half of power plant construction costs while ratepayers cover the remainder. The policy, introduced without formal written amendments or public notice requirements, has drawn criticism for shifting infrastructure expenses to general electricity consumers.
The Lens / Union of Concerned Scientists (The Equation)·Feb 18·Louisiana
Mississippi's Senate Bill 2294 requires high schools to offer computer science courses beginning in 2029 as part of the state's Future Innovators Act. The bill aims to expand AI and technology instruction at the secondary education level.
Texas's Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act took effect January 1, 2026, establishing requirements for AI developers and deployers including prohibitions on systems designed for unlawful discrimination, mandatory public disclosure of AI use by government entities, and creation of a regulatory sandbox program. The law also amends existing data privacy and biometric identifier regulations to clarify processor responsibilities and AI training practices.
Maryland's Senate unanimously passed SB 0141, which criminalizes AI-generated deepfakes used to spread election misinformation, allowing the state elections administrator to seek injunctions for content removal and pursue civil actions with penalties up to $5,000 and five years in prison. Senator Katie Fry Hester also introduced SB 0008, a broader deepfake bill covering non-consensual impersonation with intent to defraud or harm, which includes carve-outs for satire and media disclosures and carries potential penalties of up to $25,000 and 20 years imprisonment.
Wyoming state officials are debating a proposed moratorium on data center development, with supporters arguing that data centers represent a significant economic opportunity for the state given its abundant energy resources and available land. Proponents contend that data center projects could generate substantial tax revenue and support Wyoming's coal industry amid declining demand.
New York State legislators introduced S.9144, a bill that would impose a three-year moratorium on new data center development while the state conducts environmental reviews and assesses impacts on energy demand, electricity costs, water resources, and electronic waste. The legislation also directs the Public Service Commission to evaluate cost impacts on ratepayers and determine whether data center operators should bear these costs.
Unable to provide summary — the provided article body does not contain substantive information about Rhode Island House Bill 7331 or data center energy costs and ratepayer protections. The text appears to be a news aggregation page containing unrelated local stories.
Providence Business News / ON Worldwide·Feb 13·Rhode Island
Kansas SB 51 creates a sales tax exemption for data centers in the state. The bill, which passed both chambers in April 2026, was introduced at the request of NetChoice and underwent amendments through a conference committee process.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey established the Technology Quality Assurance Board to oversee the adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, across state executive-branch agencies in accordance with legislation signed in May 2025. The board, composed of representatives from seven state agencies, will develop statewide technology standards and implement recommendations from the Governor's Task Force on Generative Artificial Intelligence, including adoption of NIST AI Risk Management Frameworks.
Nevada's technology department announced a statewide data classification policy establishing four tiers of data sensitivity to standardize how state agencies handle information ranging from public to restricted categories. The policy aims to improve data security and enable more efficient cross-agency collaboration, following a 2025 ransomware attack that highlighted vulnerabilities in inconsistent data protection practices.
New York's Public Service Commission launched a formal proceeding to review how data centers and other large energy users pay for electric grid upgrades, aiming to shift infrastructure costs away from residential ratepayers. The review will examine interconnection processes, cost-sharing rules, and tariff structures for major energy consumers connecting to the state's transmission and distribution systems.
The Greater Indianapolis NAACP Branch #3053 announced its opposition to a proposed data center development in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, citing the area's history as one of Indianapolis' oldest Black neighborhoods already burdened by industrial and environmental impacts. The organization stated it stands with community residents and leadership in opposing the project at 2505 North Sherman Drive.
Tennessee State Senator Becky Massey introduced SB 1493 in December 2025, which would impose Class A felony penalties for developers who train AI chatbots to simulate human characteristics such as appearance, voice, or mannerisms, as well as systems designed to act as companions or provide emotional support. The bill's language would effectively criminalize core features of widely-used conversational AI systems currently deployed by major technology companies.
Indiana House Bill 1333 requires data centers to share one percent of their sales tax exemption savings with local governments and allows developments on less fertile farmland to proceed without public hearings. The bill passed the House and moves to the Senate, with critics arguing the revenue-sharing is insufficient and the exemption from public hearings undermines local control.
Delaware House Bill 233 and Senate Bill 205, which would require data centers to pay higher electricity rates or obtain operating certificates from state regulators, advanced out of committee on Wednesday amid concerns that proposed projects could double the state's electricity demand. Critics argue the bills could discourage data center development, while supporters contend they would prevent energy costs from being passed to residential consumers.
Alabama lawmakers introduced three bills to regulate data center incentives and utility oversight, including capping tax breaks at 20 years, requiring large data centers to pay for grid costs they create, and changing the Public Service Commission from elected to appointed positions. The bills aim to prevent large electricity users from increasing costs for other ratepayers.
The New Orleans City Council imposed a temporary two-year moratorium on new data centers and ordered city planners to create a new zoning classification for the facilities, effectively halting a proposed 17-acre data center project in New Orleans East after community concerns about strain on electrical and water systems. Council President JP Morrell stated the city needed to legally define what constitutes a data center, while the developer indicated plans to build the facility elsewhere.
The New Hampshire Senate passed SB 439, which allows local planning boards to regulate data centers within commercial and industrial zones without imposing state-level specific requirements. The bill follows ongoing legislative debate over data center restrictions, with other pending proposals ranging from a construction moratorium to utility reporting requirements, amid concerns about energy demand and environmental impacts.
Kansas House Bill 2592 proposes creating a bipartisan task force to study artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, evaluate their impacts on workforce and regulation, and recommend ways to integrate AI into state and local government operations and public education. The task force would include six legislators and five nonvoting members representing the attorney general's office, state board of education, Board of Regents, commerce department, and a gubernatorial appointee with AI or cybersecurity expertise.
The Mississippi House passed HB 1723 on a vote of 87-22, adopting a formal definition of artificial intelligence as "a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments." The measure establishes a baseline for potential future AI legislation without imposing restrictions on the industry.
Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control denied permission for Project Washington data center, citing violations of the state's Coastal Zone Act due to the facility's plan to use 516 diesel backup generators and store 2.5 million gallons of fuel. The developer said it remains confident the project will proceed, while state lawmakers indicated the decision provides time to develop regulations balancing data-center development with energy affordability concerns.
West Virginia House Bill 4013 would provide a multiform tax credit for data center and technology-intensive projects investing at least $2.5 million or creating 10 new jobs, with the tax break potentially spreading over 10 years and amounting to millions of dollars. The bill has drawn public opposition from environmental and community advocates concerned about pollution impacts from data center operations, following similar controversy over 2024 legislation that restricted local government control over data centers.
Government Technology / Charleston Gazette-Mail·Jan 29·West Virginia
Nebraska introduced two bills in its 2026 legislative session—LB 1185 and LB 939—that would impose safety requirements on AI chatbot operators serving minors, including mandatory disclosure that users are interacting with AI, restrictions on emotionally manipulative features, and safeguards against sexually explicit content. LB 939 would restrict AI chatbots with human-like features to users 18 and older, while LB 1185 would establish broader safety protocols applicable to all users and specific protections for minors.
Oklahoma Senator Kendal Sacchieri introduced Senate Bill 1488, which would impose a three-year moratorium on new data center construction while the Oklahoma Corporation Commission studies impacts on water supply, utility rates, property values, and infrastructure. The bill aims to gather evidence on data center effects before the state implements permanent siting regulations.
Iowa lawmakers advanced multiple AI-related bills during the 2026 legislative session while industry experts advised legislators on developing effective AI policies to maintain the state's competitiveness in attracting AI investment. Tech leaders emphasized that existing state data privacy laws already apply to AI and cautioned against overregulation, while acknowledging legitimate public concerns about deepfakes, child safety, and election integrity.
Bernalillo County commissioners deferred a vote on a proposed framework that would require data centers and AI facilities seeking county incentives to meet standards including 100% renewable energy, a 95% in-state workforce, and full water-use offsets. Commissioner Eric Olivas, who sponsored the resolution, said he would consult with the governor's office before the measure returns for consideration on February 10.
City Desk ABQ / NM Political Report·Jan 28·New Mexico
Canada lacks binding AI regulation despite federal government investments in AI development, with critics arguing that proposed frameworks and the 2022 Artificial Intelligence and Data Act do not adequately protect against documented harms to privacy, human rights, and the environment. The federal government is prioritizing economic benefits and AI sovereignty while resisting stronger regulatory oversight, according to advocates and scholars who contend that meaningful protections are necessary before widespread AI deployment.
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives·Feb 3·Canada
As of February 2026, 38 state legislatures are in session with 300 AI-related bills already being tracked, though the actual number of newly filed or moved bills is 240 after accounting for carryover legislation from 2025. Chatbots, pricing, and health-related AI regulations are among the most active legislative categories, with lawmakers from both parties proposing bills in these areas.
Troutman Pepper Privacy + Cyber + AI Blog·Feb 3·North Dakota
Oklahoma lawmakers have introduced multiple bills in the 2026 legislative session to regulate AI use, including Senate Bill 746, which would require disclosure of AI-generated content in political advertisements, and Senate Bill 1521, which would restrict AI chatbots' interaction with minors through age verification and disclosure requirements.
AI data center construction is becoming a significant midterm election issue across multiple states, with protests shutting down proposals and drawing positions from both political parties that don't align neatly along traditional party lines. The debate pits those supporting rapid data center expansion, including President Trump and his AI czar, against elected officials on both sides of the aisle concerned about energy costs and other impacts.
ALEC's Jake Morabito submitted testimony to the New Hampshire House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee supporting HB 1124, arguing that excessive state-level AI regulation risks creating compliance burdens for small and medium-sized businesses while President Trump's federal AI Action Plan aims to accelerate innovation. Morabito noted that over 2,000 AI-related bills have been filed across U.S. states since 2022, with many restricting AI use in areas like education and healthcare.
American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)·Jan 29·New Hampshire
Vermont's H.727 Sustainable Data Centers Act unanimously passed out of committee and is expected to advance to the House floor, establishing new regulations for data center operations including protections for ratepayers and water resources. The bill is among several environmental and climate-related measures advancing through the Vermont legislature following the legislative crossover deadline.
Vermont Natural Resources Council / Vermont Business Magazine·Jan 21·Vermont
The Wisconsin Assembly passed AB 840 on a 53-44 party-line vote to regulate the state's AI data center industry, with Republicans citing economic benefits and environmental protections while Democrats opposed the bill for moving too quickly and lacking sufficient oversight authority. Governor Tony Evers indicated he is unlikely to support the legislation, and the Wisconsin Public Service Commission warned it would create confusion and potential legal challenges.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes moved to block a utility rate agreement between Tucson Electric Power and a data center developer, arguing the deal circumvented standard regulatory review by the Arizona Corporation Commission. The action comes as local opposition to two competing data center projects in southern Arizona has grown over concerns about water scarcity and energy costs.
Sedgwick County, Kansas passed a 90-day moratorium on data center permits to allow commissioners time to study potential impacts on energy usage, water supply, and property values before the state's 20-year tax exemption for data centers drives development in the region. The suspension, set to end April 17, can be extended or revoked early if needed.
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 26-02, which directs state agencies to develop a strategic framework for AI integration in government, assess business policies for AI companies, evaluate workforce development programs, and review energy infrastructure to address data center power demands. The order prioritizes data privacy, transparency, human decision-making in government AI use, and creating a pro-business environment while protecting consumer rights.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek announced the creation of a seven-member Data Center Advisory Committee tasked with developing policy recommendations for data center expansion while addressing concerns about rising utility costs, water usage, and grid capacity. The committee is expected to deliver its report by October and will balance economic growth with affordable power and protection of natural resources.
Birmingham City Council approved a 180-day moratorium on a proposed data center on January 13, 2026, following concerns that similar large-scale projects in the region were being classified as "light industrial" to minimize environmental scrutiny and public input. Environmental groups and community advocates urged the council to use the moratorium period to assess potential impacts on air quality, water use, and public health before the project advances.
GASP Group / Birmingham City Council·Jan 13·Alabama
Connecticut lawmakers remain deadlocked over AI regulation after failing to reach agreement for a second consecutive year, with the state Senate favoring stricter rules while the Lamont administration opposes broad regulation. The impasse persists as businesses increasingly adopt AI technology and the Trump administration discourages state-level regulation through executive action.
Maryland House Bill 120 would impose a statewide moratorium on the construction of new data centers, with an exception if the state legislature passes separate legislation addressing co-location of data centers with natural gas, nuclear, or small modular reactor power generation facilities. The bill is scheduled for a hearing on February 3, 2026.
Maryland General Assembly (mgaleg.maryland.gov) / Good Jobs First·Jan 14·Maryland
Senator Tom Cotton introduced the DATA Act to prevent data center electricity demands from driving up electric rates for Arkansas residents by allowing data center operators to build and operate their own off-grid power plants outside standard federal utility regulations. The bill aims to balance protecting consumers from rate increases while encouraging data center investment as competition in AI development intensifies globally.
Ohio House Bill 646 would establish a bipartisan Data Center Study Commission with 13 members to examine the environmental, economic, and infrastructure impacts of data center development in the state, which sponsors characterize as an emergency measure due to rapid proliferation of such facilities. The commission would study effects on the electrical grid, water supply, farmland, noise and light pollution, local economies, and national security.
Mississippi has secured five major data center projects totaling approximately $49 billion in investment by offering companies extensive tax incentives including decade-long state tax holidays and property-tax breaks, though critics argue the state's unusually generous subsidies produce few jobs and shift infrastructure costs to ratepayers and local governments.
Laramie County commissioners unanimously approved construction of Crusoe Energy's Project Jade data center campus, which would eventually scale to 10 gigawatts and become the largest AI data center in the U.S., powered initially by natural gas turbines from Tallgrass Energy Partners with potential future carbon capture and renewable energy integration.
South Carolina House Bill 4583 would require data centers operating in the state to be completely energy independent, use closed-loop cooling systems, and prohibit them from receiving taxpayer-funded incentives or connecting to public power grids. The bill, introduced in January 2026, defines data centers as facilities exceeding 5,000 square feet that house computer systems and related equipment.
South Carolina State Legislature·Jan 13·South Carolina
Vermont S.205, introduced January 6, 2026, proposes a temporary moratorium on large AI data centers in the state and directs a report on their construction and operation. The bill is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Finance, which held hearings in February featuring testimony from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Public Utility Commission.
Canadian law firm Osler identifies data sovereignty, open banking, and AI regulation as the country's top privacy priorities for 2026, anticipating new federal privacy legislation with stricter penalties and enforcement mechanisms. The firm expects increased government focus on data localization and sovereign AI infrastructure driven by national security and geopolitical concerns.
Oklahoma residents are protesting the environmental and aesthetic impacts of data centers in their communities, as evidenced by anti-data center displays at local events. The demonstrations reflect growing local opposition to data center expansion in rural areas.
Missouri lawmakers have filed approximately 15 AI-related bills ahead of the legislative session, addressing concerns ranging from child safety to data center regulations while seeking to balance consumer protection with industry growth. The proposed legislation includes provisions preventing AI from having legal personhood, restricting chatbot use by minors, and prohibiting AI from offering mental health services.
Rhode Island's S0627 bill, which would regulate high-risk AI systems used in consequential decisions across employment, education, lending, housing, healthcare, and legal services through requirements for discrimination prevention, risk assessments, and consumer transparency, advanced in the Senate committee process. The bill grants the state attorney general exclusive enforcement authority and is set to take effect October 1, 2025, if passed.
Alaska's House Concurrent Resolution 3 task force submitted findings on artificial intelligence data center development in the state, with discussions focusing on potential economic benefits alongside concerns about energy consumption, grid capacity, and environmental impacts. The report examined both large-scale hyperscale facilities and smaller microgrid data centers as options for the state.
Effective January 1, 2026, Iowa House File 976 modifies the state's data center and web search portal tax exemption by imposing 10-to-15-year expiration dates for new facilities, requiring annual registration and reporting with the Department of Revenue, and expanding eligibility to include tenants leasing data center space.
Mississippi's Department of Information Technology Services approved a statewide AI Acceptable Use Policy on November 25, 2025, establishing guidelines for responsible AI use across state government agencies with requirements for human oversight, bias testing, data protection, and transparency. The framework, based on ten guiding principles, prohibits certain high-risk uses such as deepfakes while encouraging agencies to adopt AI tools to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services·Jan 1·Mississippi
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Responsible AI Safety and Education Act (RAISE Act) into law, requiring developers of advanced "frontier" AI models with over $500 million in annual revenue to implement safety assessments, report critical incidents within 72 hours, and register with a new state oversight office, with penalties up to $1 million for first violations and $3 million for subsequent violations effective January 1, 2027.
The Oregon Public Utility Commission is reviewing Portland General Electric's proposed rate plan under the state's POWER Act, which mandates that data centers cover their own energy costs, amid disagreement over whether PGE's cost-sharing framework improperly shifts expenses to residential customers. PGE defends its Peak Growth Modifier mechanism as a fair method to allocate infrastructure costs based on which customer groups drive peak demand growth.
Nevada's AB73, which takes effect January 1, 2026, requires that any paid communications by candidates, campaigns, political parties, and related organizations disclose the use of artificial intelligence materials in a clear and conspicuous manner. The law aims to address the use of digitally manipulated media ahead of the 2026 governor's race.
Montana's Energy and Technology Interim Committee is studying the state's power generation capacity and grid infrastructure in response to planned data centers expected to require approximately 1,000 megawatts of energy. The committee has been assigned three studies due by September 2026 examining energy transmission, interstate grid development, and artificial intelligence regulation.
Anthropic announced Claude Gov, a custom set of AI models designed exclusively for U.S. national security customers operating in classified environments, featuring enhanced capabilities for handling classified materials, intelligence analysis, and cybersecurity data. The models have already been deployed by agencies at the highest level of U.S. national security and underwent the same safety testing as Anthropic's standard Claude models.
Canada's proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) died in Parliament in January 2025 following the Prime Minister's resignation and prorogation, but AI governance continues through provincial regulations, Treasury Board policy instruments, and sector-specific oversight mechanisms. The country is expected to rely on existing regulatory tools rather than new federal legislation in the near term.