Maine became the first state to ban large data centers statewide, blocking new facilities drawing more than 20 megawatts — enough to power roughly 15,000 homes — until fall 2027. The moratorium passed both houses of the legislature and heads to Gov. Janet Mills for signature. At least 12 other states are considering similar temporary bans. Read the full story →
The NAACP sued Elon Musk's xAI for operating 27 unpermitted gas turbines to power a Memphis-area data center, alleging emissions that would make it the largest industrial smog source in a region where cancer risk is already four times the national average. The Clean Air Act lawsuit targets 500 megawatts of turbines still mounted on their delivery trailers. Read the full story →
Texas is losing at least $3.1 billion in sales tax revenue over two years from its data center tax exemption — up from $5 million a year as recently as 2022 — and the Senate Finance Chair says the numbers are "unsustainable." It's now the most expensive incentive of its kind in the country. Read the full story →