data center projects

Kings Mountain voted to extend its moratorium on new data center projects for an additional year. The city council approved the extension Tuesday night, which affects controversial facilities that were initially addressed by legislation passed in February.

Democratic and Republican candidates nationwide are using their opposition to data center projects during campaigns. This issue has led to speculation about whether the focus on these projects is sufficient to affect a key House race.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered regulators to audit pending data center projects seeking grid connections, with ERCOT stating this effectively pauses those projects. The move aims to address soaring electricity demand from AI and cloud computing facilities, with 90% of large-load interconnection requests under review coming from data centers.

Gov. Greg Abbott directed ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission to audit proposed data center projects and review power, water, and community impacts before approving new grid connections. This requirement applies to all new data center projects seeking to connect to the Texas power grid.

Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary election will determine nominees for US Senate, governor, and Congress, with key races including a competitive Senate primary between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens. The outcome hinges on voter turnout and the impact of external spending, while local races include data center votes and tax initiatives. Over 1.2 million voters have already cast ballots via absentee or early in-person voting.

Petersburg leaders are demanding increased transparency from city administrators after discovering four data center projects through a local news outlet. The projects are advancing despite the leaders' claims of being informed secondhand.

Data center opponents have blocked or delayed projects worth nearly $130 billion in 2026, according to a study. An xAi plant in Southaven, Miss., is mentioned as an example of such projects.

Americans express significant concerns about AI, with growing public backlash against data centers and AI companies. Despite widespread calls for regulation, AI remains a low priority in political campaigns, though over 60% of Republicans and Democrats support slowing AI development for economic and public safety reasons.

Maine lawmakers Rep. Melanie Sachs and Senator Matt Harrington are discussing large data center projects proposed for the state with CBS News. The projects have sparked attention from state legislators.