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Cloverleaf Infrastructure Plans Massive Data Center Campus in Piedmont, Oklahoma, Amidst Local Opposition

Cloverleaf Infrastructure Plans Massive Data Center Campus in Piedmont, Oklahoma, Amidst Local Opposition

Cloverleaf Infrastructure is moving forward with plans to develop Project Open Sky, a massive data center campus spanning 633 acres, with potential for up to six data centers, in Piedmont, Oklahoma. The company has announced it will begin development on newly acquired adjacent land in Kingfisher County, ensuring the project proceeds regardless of the Piedmont City Council's decision. This development comes amidst significant local opposition, particularly from residents like Scott and Bethany Morrow, whose home is located just 300 feet from the proposed site. Concerns raised by residents include increased noise, water usage, and potential pollution. The Piedmont City Council is scheduled to discuss Project Open Sky, but Cloverleaf CEO David Berry stated that the project would move forward even if the city declines to approve it, citing less regulation in unincorporated areas. The project is estimated to bring at least $9 million in annual tax revenue to Piedmont.
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Senator Katie Britt Advocates Nuanced Approach to Data Center Development in Alabama

Senator Katie Britt Advocates Nuanced Approach to Data Center Development in Alabama

U.S. Senator Katie Britt of Alabama is advocating for a nuanced approach to the development of data centers within the state. In an interview with Alabama Daily News, Senator Britt emphasized the need to balance technological advancement, particularly in the artificial intelligence race against China, with the specific interests of local communities that might host these facilities. She highlighted that decisions regarding data center placement should primarily be made at the local and county levels, rather than through federal oversight. Britt believes that communities should carefully weigh the potential benefits, such as tax revenue, against potential drawbacks, like increased electricity and water consumption, which could impact other industries or local resources. She also noted that data centers, while generating significant tax impact, do not create as many permanent jobs as traditional manufacturing plants. Her stance contrasts with other Alabama leaders, some of whom advocate for widespread data c...
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Loudoun County, Virginia, Reins in Data Center Construction Amidst Resident Pushback

Loudoun County, Virginia, Reins in Data Center Construction Amidst Resident Pushback

Loudoun County, Virginia, Reins in Data Center Construction Amidst Resident Pushback
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Congressional Candidate Jake Johnson Demands Moratorium on Data Center Construction in Southern Minnesota

Congressional Candidate Jake Johnson Demands Moratorium on Data Center Construction in Southern Minnesota

DFL Minnesota First Congressional District candidate Jake Johnson is calling for a moratorium on data center construction, specifically targeting projects like Google's 'Project Skyway' in Pine Island. Johnson announced his plan to prevent data centers from 'exploiting southern Minnesota' ahead of a community celebration hosted by Google for its proposed data center. Google is expected to announce its 'Panther Program' and other initiatives, including a projected $24 million investment benefiting the Pine Island School District, during the event. Johnson has outlined four requirements for data center projects to receive approval: keeping bills down, protecting farmland and natural resources, ensuring economic gains remain in Southern Minnesota, and ending non-disclosure agreements associated with these projects. He expressed concerns shared by his constituents regarding water consumption, energy usage, and noise pollution, stating that Google's promises are 'only as good as the paper they are written on.'
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Developer Sues Gibraltar Over Alleged Unlawful Data Center Moratorium

Developer Sues Gibraltar Over Alleged Unlawful Data Center Moratorium

Developer Sues Gibraltar Over Alleged Unlawful Data Center Moratorium
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Governors Address Data Center Expansion Amid Public Backlash in Key States

Governors Address Data Center Expansion Amid Public Backlash in Key States

Governors in several U.S. states are adjusting their stances on data center development as public opposition grows, particularly in the lead-up to midterm elections. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced new, stricter standards for data center projects, requiring them to pay full electricity costs, demonstrate advanced water conservation, and secure local approval before state permits or tax exemptions are granted. He criticized "predatory developers" for attempting to push through numerous projects without adequate financing or community consent. Similarly, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who previously supported data center recruitment, has now ordered regulators to ensure Texans are not burdened with higher electricity bills due to these facilities and is considering legislative changes to remove tax breaks. This shift reflects increasing discontent in rural areas over the environmental impact, energy consumption, and perceived threats to local character posed by large data centers.
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Congressional Candidate Jake Johnson Calls for Moratorium on Data Centers in Southern Minnesota

Congressional Candidate Jake Johnson Calls for Moratorium on Data Centers in Southern Minnesota

DFL Minnesota First Congressional District candidate Jake Johnson is demanding a moratorium on data center construction, specifically targeting projects in southern Minnesota. Johnson announced his plan to 'stop data centers from exploiting southern Minnesota' ahead of Google's community celebration for its proposed data center project in Pine Island. He outlined four requirements that data center projects should meet before approval: keeping bills down, protecting farmland and natural resources, ensuring economic gains are realized locally, and ending non-disclosure agreements related to these projects. Johnson expressed concerns about water consumption, energy usage, and noise pollution, stating that promises from companies like Google are not always reliable. He believes that communities are often pressured into accepting these projects due to financial needs, such as school funding or high property taxes, making them vulnerable to what he describes as a 'bad deal.'
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Butler County Tables Proposed Data Center Regulations Until September

Butler County Tables Proposed Data Center Regulations Until September

Butler County Tables Proposed Data Center Regulations Until September
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Memphis chamber opposes data center moratorium, city to lose 'leverage'

Memphis chamber opposes data center moratorium, city to lose 'leverage'

The Greater Memphis Chamber released a statement Aug. 18 explaining its stance against a moratorium on hyperscale data centers.
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Governors Address Data Center Impact Amidst Growing Public Opposition and Election Concerns

Governors Address Data Center Impact Amidst Growing Public Opposition and Election Concerns

Governors in several U.S. states are increasingly scrutinizing and taking action against the proliferation of data centers, driven by public backlash and upcoming elections. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, announced that his administration will no longer prioritize data center projects for construction permits or tax exemptions unless they meet strict standards, including paying the full cost of electricity and demonstrating water conservation efforts. These projects must also secure local approval before state consideration. This move comes as Shapiro faces pressure from his Republican opponent, Stacy Garrity, and as communities across Pennsylvania resist proposed data centers. Similarly, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, has ordered regulators to ensure data centers do not lead to higher electricity bills for Texans and plans to introduce legislation to impose regulations and potentially remove tax breaks for these facilities. Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa has criticized Abb...
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Vineland Planning Board Approves Second Phase of 300-Megawatt Data Center Plan Amidst Community Opposition

Vineland Planning Board Approves Second Phase of 300-Megawatt Data Center Plan Amidst Community Opposition

The Vineland Planning Board in New Jersey has approved the second phase of a site plan for a 300-megawatt data center. This approval allows for the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tank and fuel cell units, which will enable the data center to generate its own energy. The project, developed by DataOne for the Nebius Group, is intended to support artificial intelligence infrastructure as part of a $17 billion deal with Microsoft. The decision followed a six-hour public hearing where hundreds of residents voiced concerns regarding LNG safety, carbon emissions, and water usage. Despite significant community opposition and calls for a thorough environmental investigation, the board voted 8-1 in favor of the proposal, citing that the plan requires no variance relief and is permitted under local zoning laws. Board member John Casadia was the sole dissenting vote, emphasizing the need for transparency and environmental impact assessment.
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Imposes Restrictions on Data Center Development

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Imposes Restrictions on Data Center Development

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order implementing significant restrictions on data center projects within the state. This move marks a notable shift in his stance, as he previously encouraged the industry's growth. The order aims to prevent 'predatory' developers and 'bad proposals' from impacting the commonwealth. Under the new directive, data center projects must receive approval from local officials, and developers are required to sign a legally binding agreement committing to guidelines established by Governor Shapiro in February. These guidelines include provisions for developers to pay for their own power, hire local workers, maintain transparency with local governments, and adhere to high water-conservation standards. Furthermore, Governor Shapiro is removing all data center projects from the state's fast-track permitting program and will no longer allow non-disclosure agreements for such projects.