Local governments implement data center moratoriums and regulations

Local governments across North America are increasingly implementing moratoriums and stricter regulations on data center development to address concerns regarding resource consumption, pollution, and zoning.

In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed a one-year moratorium to allow the city to develop long-term policies regarding water use, electricity costs, and pollution. Similarly, in Pulaski County, Arkansas, new ordinances have been passed to regulate large-scale facilities, including a massive $6 billion project by AVAIO Digital.

In Canada, the North Cowichan council unanimously supported a move to remove data centers as a permitted land use, requiring developers to undergo public hearings for zoning amendments.

Other regional efforts include: - Alamosa County, Colorado, requiring decommissioning agreements for AI data centers to ensure property restoration. - Salem, Oregon, considering a 120-day moratorium following a $5.1 billion project proposal. - Michigan City, Indiana, tabling a moratorium to allow for further research into zoning code changes. - Nye County, Nevada, rescheduling public hearings to finalize land use regulations and development standards.