# US and global data center expansion meets growing backlash

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-utility-and-corporate-cleanenergy-efforts-expand-while-facing-regulatory-delays
> Updated: 2026-09-09T00:10:18.000Z. Sources: 401. Developments: 74.

The AI‑driven data‑center boom continues to clash with local concerns across the United States and globally. Resistance has expanded into rural areas, such as Rural Hall, North Carolina, and Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where officials have imposed moratoriums to balance development with national security and land-use concerns. Resource consumption and land use remain primary flashpoints. In California, bipartisan opposition has emerged over threats to water supplies. In Kansas, farmers warn that hyperscale centers could jeopardize agricultural water rights, while in Northern Virginia, developers are reportedly outbidding home builders, driving land prices to “astronomical” levels. In New Mexico, the Center for Biological Diversity has challenged state approval of well-drilling permits for ‘Project Jupiter,’ a $165 billion complex planned by Oracle and OpenAI, amid alarms over dwindling water resources. Global scrutiny is rising as Microsoft reports a 30% increase in water consumption due to AI supercomputers, and Scotland faces potential electricity demands 1.5 times its peak consumption. Infrastructure and economic pressures are intensifying. The rapid expansion is driving a historic buildout of natural gas-fired generation, with the U.S. constructing roughly twice as much capacity as China. However, this growth is creating significant labor shortages; Goldman Sachs estimates the U.S. electricity supply chain will require approximately 500,000 additional workers by 2030. In Pennsylvania, legislative and political pushback is intensifying. Governor Josh Shapiro has implemented the Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards via executive order, which removes data center projects from the state’s fast-track permitting program and requires local approvals and water authorizations before state reviews. This follows warnings from the Pennsylvania Sustainable Business Network that rising PJM Interconnection capacity costs could increase residential electricity bills by 10-20% and business costs by up to 29%.

## Claims

- The United States has 378 gigawatts of gas-fired generation capacity announced or under construction. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Of 479 large global datacentre projects announced between 2021 and 2025, only 10% have at least one building in operation as of July 2026. (disputed)
- 40% of announced large-scale datacentre projects are stalled or delayed, while 9% have been cancelled. (disputed)
- Global data center water consumption is estimated to rise from 560 billion liters per year to 1.2 trillion liters by 2030. (disputed)
- Global data center water consumption could reach 644 billion litres annually by 2030. (disputed)
- Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to restrict data center development in Pennsylvania. (corroborated by 28 sources)
- Data center projects will be removed from Pennsylvania’s fast-track permitting program. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- New data center projects must obtain approval from local and municipal officials. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- State agencies are prohibited from signing non-disclosure agreements with data center developers. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Developers must pay for their own electricity costs to prevent passing them to other ratepayers. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The executive order establishes requirements for data centers with peak electricity demand above 25 megawatts. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Operating data centers must report energy and water consumption annually starting in July 2027. (corroborated by 16 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Pennsylvania data center growth sparks political and legal disputes

Data center expansion is driving political and legal conflict in Pennsylvania, as Governor Shapiro mandates local approval for new projects amid community concerns over energy and environmental impacts.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-data-center-growth-sparks-political-and-legal-disputes

### 2026-09-04: Pennsylvania implements stricter rules for data center growth

Pennsylvania is tightening regulations on large data centers via the GRID initiative while reports warn that AI-driven energy demands could significantly increase electricity costs for local businesses.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-implements-stricter-rules-for-data-center-growth

### 2026-08-27: Pennsylvania Governor issues executive order on data center standards

Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order setting strict environmental and transparency standards for Pennsylvania data center developers, linking tax benefits and permitting to GRID standards.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-governor-shapiro-signs-data-center-executive-order

### 2026-08-26: AI infrastructure boom drives energy and labor shortages

AI expansion is driving a massive surge in energy and labor demand, prompting a historic US buildout of gas-fired power while sparking intense local opposition over rising utility costs and resource use.

63 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/data-center-expansion-sparks-political-and-environmental-tension-in-the-us

### 2026-08-24: Pennsylvania Governor implements stricter standards for data centers

Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order in Pennsylvania imposing stricter environmental, transparency, and local approval standards for new data center developments.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-governor-implements-stricter-standards-for-data-centers

### 2026-08-20: Pennsylvania implements new permitting standards for data centers

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro issued an executive order offering faster permitting to data centers that meet new GRID infrastructure and clean energy standards.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-implements-new-permitting-standards-for-data-centers

### 2026-08-18: Pennsylvania Governor restricts data center development

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order imposing strict environmental and transparency requirements on data center developers to protect local energy costs and water resources.

47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-governors-tighten-regulations-on-energy-intensive-data-centers

### 2026-08-06: Rockland County Legislature Urges Governor Hochul to Sign Data Center Moratorium Bill

Rockland County legislators urged Gov. Hochul to sign a bill imposing a one‑year moratorium on new hyperscale data centers, targeting DataBank’s Orangeburg expansion.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rockland-county-legislature-urges-governor-hochul-to-sign-data-center-moratorium-bill

### 2026-08-05: U.S. data center expansion faces community backlash over water, land and historic preservation

U.S. communities protest data‑center expansion over historic sites, water use, land prices and environmental impacts, prompting legal challenges and calls for stronger oversight.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-data-center-expansion-sparks-community-backlash-over-water-and-heritage

### 2026-08-01: US towns impose 12‑month moratoriums on data centers, battery storage

Albany, GA and Newcomb, NY each enacted 12‑month moratoriums—Albany on new data centers, Newcomb on battery storage permits—to study impacts and draft regulations.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-towns-impose-12month-moratoriums-on-data-centers-battery-storage

### 2026-07-31: Montgomery County, Maryland adopts 18‑month data‑center moratorium amid local opposition

Montvale, NJ faces opposition to a data‑center project tied to affordable housing, while Montgomery County, MD approved an 18‑month moratorium on new data‑center development over environmental concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montgomery-county-maryland-adopts-18month-datacenter-moratorium-amid-local-opposition

### 2026-07-30: California Data Center Power Bill Triggers Nationwide Community Pushback

California proposes a bill forcing data centers to report power‑usage ratios as electricity costs surge 96 %. Studies show most U.S. centers sit in cities, driven by power capacity. Virginia pauses new projects

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wiscasset-maine-forfeits-federal-housing-funds-as-stalled-5-billion-data-center-plan-collapses

### 2026-07-28: California Data Center Plans Prompt Bipartisan Rural Opposition

Bipartisan grassroots protests in California challenge a hyperscale data center’s water use, citing a study that data centers may consume 1 % of US water by 2028, with a proposed Imperial Valley site using 275

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-data-center-plans-prompt-bipartisan-rural-opposition

### 2026-07-28: Rural U.S. Communities Push Back Against Data Center Expansion

Residents in Rural Hall, NC, and Pagosa Springs, CO, oppose data‑center projects, prompting zoning challenges and a county moratorium, reflecting rural backlash against a tech‑driven expansion.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rural-us-communities-push-back-against-data-center-expansion

### 2026-07-27: Pennsylvania Town Council Votes to Block New Data Centers

A Pennsylvania town council unanimously rejected zoning changes for data centers, and state senators pledged a fair booth after governors declined to exhibit.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-town-council-votes-to-block-new-data-centers

### 2026-07-26: Data Center Expansion Sparks Rural Opposition and Community Concerns in the US

AI‑driven data center growth is moving from Northern Virginia into rural US areas, prompting tax‑base worries and community opposition despite strong fiscal returns in Loudoun County.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/data-center-expansion-sparks-rural-opposition-and-community-concerns-in-the-us

### 2026-07-22: New York imposes one‑year freeze on 50‑MW AI data centers

New York’s Governor Hochul enacted a one‑year moratorium on 50‑MW AI data centers to curb power and water strain, while tribal nations, already imposing bans, demand proper consultation.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-imposes-oneyear-freeze-on-50mw-ai-data-centers

### 2026-07-22: Pennsylvania residents protest new data center projects

Pennsylvania towns protest new data center projects, citing water use, electricity costs and lack of community input; workshops aim to raise awareness and demand stricter regulations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-residents-protest-new-data-center-projects

### 2026-07-21: New Jersey Hosts Over 70 Data Centers Across the State

New Jersey operates over 70 data centers, chiefly in the north, prompting local worries about water, electricity, noise and air‑pollution strains.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-hosts-over-70-data-centers-across-the-state

### 2026-07-20: Ohio cities move to ban data centers in upcoming ballot measures

Residents in Van Wert and Urbana, Ohio, have filed ballot petitions to ban hyperscale data centers, with Van Wert targeting industrial zones and Urbana seeking a citywide prohibition and a mayoral recall.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ohio-cities-move-to-ban-data-centers-in-upcoming-ballot-measures

### 2026-07-20: US data center boom triggers moratoriums and regulatory action

US regulators and lawmakers, led by NY Gov. Hochul and Rep. Terri Sewell, impose moratoriums and tax‑break bans on data centers as states, utilities, and citizens push back against rising power, water and land‑

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ai-data-center-moratoriums-prompt-policy-debate-in-new-york-and-new-jersey

### 2026-07-18: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Imposes First Statewide AI Data‑Center Moratorium

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul enacted a one‑year moratorium on new hyperscale AI data‑centers, prompting criticism from Trump, his AI adviser, the EPA and business groups over job and revenue impacts.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-governor-enforces-one-year-moratorium-on-ai-data-centers

### 2026-07-18: Massachusetts cities impose year‑long moratoriums on new data centers

Lowell and Westfield, Massachusetts, each adopt a year‑long pause on new data centers amid resident concerns over power, water use and AI‑driven growth.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/massachusetts-cities-impose-yearlong-moratoriums-on-new-data-centers

### 2026-07-18: US utilities request $18.6 billion in rate increases through mid‑2026

US utilities have asked for $18.6 billion in rate hikes through mid‑2026, affecting 56 million customers, while PG&E dealt with a brief San Francisco outage and pending rate‑increase review.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-utilities-request-186-billion-in-rate-increases-through-mid2026

### 2026-07-17: New Jersey launches procurement for 1,100 MW of advanced nuclear power

Governor Mikie Sherrill signed the Power NJ Act, launching a procurement for at least 1,100 MW of advanced nuclear power to boost New Jersey’s grid reliability and meet rising demand.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-launches-procurement-for-1100-mw-of-advanced-nuclear-power

### 2026-07-16: New York Governor Kathy Hochul's Data Center Moratorium Stalls AI Infrastructure

Governor Kathy Hochul’s July 2026 order places a one‑year statewide ban on large data‑center builds in New York to address energy, water and environmental concerns, prompting national political and industry rip

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-gov-hochul-bans-new-data-centers-igniting-ai-policy-debate

### 2026-07-16: Data Center Backlash Expands Across Multiple US States

U.S. officials and communities from Minnesota to New York are tightening rules on data‑center construction over water, energy and transparency concerns, while protests and a viral WNBA star post highlight the $

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/data-center-opposition-rises-among-us-officials-and-athletes

### 2026-07-15: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signs budget expanding advanced grid tech and data‑center oversight

Governor Josh Shapiro signed Pennsylvania’s 2026‑27 budget, adding advanced transmission technology provisions and new data‑center water and power reporting rules, with fines for non‑compliance and PJM forecast

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-governor-josh-shapiro-signs-budget-expanding-advanced-grid-tech-and-datacenter-oversigh

### 2026-07-15: U.S. utilities seek record $9.2 billion in rate hikes

U.S. utilities have asked regulators for a record $9.2 billion in Q2 2026 rate hikes, affecting over 56 million customers and averaging about $14 a month, with the South accounting for $4.5 billion of the ask.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-utilities-seek-record-92-billion-in-rate-hikes

### 2026-07-14: New York Governor Hochul imposes first U.S. statewide moratorium on large AI data centers

NY Governor Hochul enacted a one‑year moratorium on new data centers over 50 MW, citing power, water and cost concerns; the first U.S. statewide ban may reshape AI infrastructure investment.

94 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-imposes-first-us-datacenter-construction-moratorium

### 2026-07-14: Dominion Energy's Virginia transmission plan triggers land seizure and utility rate‑hike requests

U.S. utilities request $9.2 billion in rate hikes; Dominion Energy’s Virginia transmission plan approved, potentially seizing a third of a homeowner’s land for a 185‑ft pole, sparking resident opposition.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominion-energys-virginia-transmission-plan-triggers-land-seizure-and-utility-ratehike-requests

### 2026-07-13: North Carolina localities pause data‑center projects amid public backlash

Charlotte halted a data‑center focus group for better public engagement, while Lee County officials faced resident opposition to a large data‑center proposal, citing environmental and zoning concerns.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-carolina-localities-pause-datacenter-projects-amid-public-backlash

### 2026-07-12: New Jersey signs bills forcing data centers to fund grid upgrades

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed three bills requiring large data centers to pay for grid upgrades, guarantee power demand, use clean energy and report usage, aiming to protect residents from higher EV

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-signs-bills-forcing-data-centers-to-fund-grid-upgrades

### 2026-07-11: Maine Governor Vetoes Statewide Data Center Moratorium Amid Growing Backlash

Maine Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a statewide data‑center moratorium, banning tax incentives while a council will study the industry, as national backlash over data centres grows.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-governor-vetoes-statewide-data-center-moratorium-amid-growing-backlash

### 2026-07-09: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker sign energy affordability bills

New Jersey and Illinois governors signed bills to cut energy costs, expand low‑income discounts and improve utility billing transparency.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-gov-mikie-sherrill-and-illinois-gov-j-b-pritzker-sign-energy-affordability-bills

### 2026-07-09: US data center backlash stalls $130 billion in projects

US towns and suburbs are blocking $130 billion of data‑center projects, filing recall petitions and moratoriums; Warren County voters sharply opposed a local proposal.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-data-center-backlash-stalls-130-billion-in-projects

### 2026-07-08: US data center in Beringen, Switzerland meets protest camp in Tengen, Germany

US firm STACK Infrastructure’s data centre in Beringen, Switzerland, faces cross‑border protests from the “Aufstände der Allmende” group in Tengen, Germany, over its high energy and water use, prompting a cant‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-data-center-in-beringen-switzerland-meets-protest-camp-in-tengen-germany

### 2026-07-08: Arizona Pauses Data Center Tax Incentives Amid Water and Energy Concerns

Arizona freezes new data‑center tax breaks to save $57 M, while a Marana project faces criticism that its water‑use savings ignore electricity generation demands.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arizona-pauses-data-center-tax-incentives-amid-water-and-energy-concerns

### 2026-07-08: US utilities face regulator pushback over large residential rate hike requests

Duke Energy and Eversource have each sought roughly 11% residential rate hikes, prompting regulator scrutiny and consumer‑group challenges over cost allocation and document confidentiality.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-utilities-face-regulator-pushback-over-large-residential-rate-hike-requests

### 2026-07-08: Prince William County Rejects Massive Dulles South Data Center Project

Prince William County’s board voted 8‑0 to block a 2,000‑acre Dulles South data‑center proposal, ending plans for a 43 million‑sq‑ft campus that could have brought up to $30 billion in investment.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/prince-william-county-rejects-massive-dulles-south-data-center-project

### 2026-07-07: New Jersey Governor signs energy bills to curb data‑center costs

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed three bills, including a Data Center Fair Share Act, to shift data‑center electricity costs to operators, provide bill credits to households, and aim for $1 billion in

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-governor-signs-energy-bills-to-curb-datacenter-costs

### 2026-07-07: Virginia and Maryland Communities Push Back on Expanding Data Centers

Virginia and Maryland residents oppose new data‑center projects, fearing grid strain, towering transmission lines and water use, as local officials debate moratoriums and alternate routing.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-and-maryland-communities-push-back-on-expanding-data-centers

### 2026-07-06: Virginia becomes world’s data‑center capital, spurring growth and resource strain

Northern Virginia now hosts the world’s largest data‑center hub – 71 in Loudoun County and 131 statewide – driving economic gains but raising water and energy concerns, prompting new state regulation amid AI‑dr

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-becomes-worlds-datacenter-capital-spurring-growth-and-resource-strain

### 2026-07-02: Massachusetts Senate passes energy‑affordability bill to curb utility costs

Massachusetts Senate approved a bill targeting $14 billion in utility savings over ten years, reforming energy procurement, limiting third‑party suppliers, and promoting solar while addressing rising costs tied

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/massachusetts-senate-passes-energyaffordability-bill-to-curb-utility-costs

### 2026-07-01: US towns expand data‑center moratoriums as residents push back on power and water impacts

US towns are widening moratoriums on large data centers amid community concerns over electricity costs and water use, with East Fishkill, NY, freezing approvals until 2029.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-towns-expand-datacenter-moratoriums-as-residents-push-back-on-power-and-water-impacts

### 2026-06-30: Virginia Enacts Data Center Energy Tax to Raise $600 Million Annually

Virginia passed a budget adding a 1.1 cent/kWh electricity tax on data centers, expected to raise $600 million yearly, sparking mixed reactions from industry and environmental groups.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-enacts-data-center-energy-tax-to-raise-600-million-annually

### 2026-06-30: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Announces $20 B Amazon Data Center Deal, Fueling GOP Challenge

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a $20 billion Amazon data‑center investment in Pennsylvania, prompting GOP rival Stacy Garrity to denounce the project and accuse him of flip‑flopping amid their 2026 gubernatorial‑c

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-governor-josh-shapiro-announces-20-b-amazon-data-center-deal-fueling-gop-challenge

### 2026-06-29: US Senate pushes sweeping energy bill with $14 billion savings plan

The U.S. Senate is shaping an energy bill targeting $14 billion in consumer savings, while Pennsylvania’s House passed a utility profit cap bill to cut electric bills by 6.5%, both aiming to lower energy costs.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-senate-pushes-sweeping-energy-bill-with-14-billion-savings-plan

### 2026-06-26: US data center expansion meets mounting local resistance

US communities and Ohio cities are increasingly opposing new data centers, citing electricity strain and rising utility costs; 75 projects worth $130 bn were delayed in Q1 2026 and Dayton seeks a ban.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-data-center-expansion-meets-mounting-local-resistance

### 2026-06-25: Pennsylvania House approves data‑center pause bill and GRID incentive framework

Pennsylvania’s House passed a 180‑day data‑center moratorium bill and a GRID framework tying tax incentives to accountability, reporting and clean‑energy standards; both now head to the Senate.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-house-approves-datacenter-pause-bill-and-grid-incentive-framework

### 2026-06-23: US State Legislatures Move to curb utility profits and rate hikes

Pennsylvania moves a bill to cap utility profits, while Connecticut lawmakers push regulators to reject Eversource’s 11% rate hike proposal.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-state-legislatures-move-to-curb-utility-profits-and-rate-hikes

### 2026-06-23: Missouri data center debate not proven linked to foreign adversaries

Missouri’s data‑center boom has sparked local opposition; claims of Chinese disinformation lack public evidence, and experts caution against conflating genuine concerns with unverified foreign‑influence charges

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/missouri-data-center-debate-not-proven-linked-to-foreign-adversaries

### 2026-06-22: US Data Center Opposition Spurs Local Bans and Political Pushback

US residents are opposing data centers, leading to bans in several cities, a council turnover in Missouri, and Arizona pausing tax incentives, driven by concerns over resource use and subsidies.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-data-center-opposition-spurs-local-bans-and-political-pushback

### 2026-06-18: Virginia data centers face tax break repeal push and resident noise complaints

Virginia senators seek to end a $2 billion data‑center tax break, while Loudoun County residents complain of noisy generators at a local data center.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virginia-data-centers-face-tax-break-repeal-push-and-resident-noise-complaints

### 2026-06-18: US towns block data center expansion amid growing anti‑data center activism

Activists win data‑center bans in multiple U.S. cities; Arizona imposes a tax‑break moratorium, and Maine towns enact local pauses after a statewide veto, reflecting widespread public opposition.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-towns-block-data-center-expansion-amid-growing-antidata-center-activism

### 2026-06-17: Pennsylvania lawmakers advance data center transparency and tax reforms

Pennsylvania legislators advance bills linking data‑center tax breaks to transparency, sustainability and community notice, amid local opposition to a large data‑center project.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-lawmakers-advance-data-center-transparency-and-tax-reforms

### 2026-06-16: Pittsburg, CA residents push back on planned data center at former golf course

Over 300 Pittsburg, CA residents opposed a approved data center at the former Delta View Golf Course, citing environmental concerns and lack of outreach; the council will hold a workshop to review the project.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pittsburg-ca-residents-push-back-on-planned-data-center-at-former-golf-course

### 2026-06-13: SINEXCEL and AESC Forge Strategic Energy Storage Partnerships in Japan and Global Markets

SINEXCEL partners with Namcha Barwa to deliver utility‑scale BESS projects in Japan, while AESC and Prevalon Energy sign a deal to supply over 10 GWh of battery cells for global utility‑scale storage and data‑c

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sinexcel-and-aesc-forge-strategic-energy-storage-partnerships-in-japan-and-global-markets

### 2026-06-12: AESC Signs Strategic Supply Deal with Prevalon Energy to Deliver Over 10 GWh of Battery Storage

AESC will supply battery cells and modules to Prevalon Energy for over 10 GWh of utility‑scale storage projects, bolstering global renewable and data‑center power infrastructure.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aesc-signs-strategic-supply-deal-with-prevalon-energy-to-deliver-over-10-gwh-of-battery-storage

### 2026-06-11: Pennsylvania Power Bills Surge Amid Data Center Boom

Pennsylvania electric bills have risen over 14 % as data‑center demand spikes. Advocates urge lawmakers to make data centers self‑power, curb utility profits and speed clean‑energy projects, aiming for $840 per

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pennsylvania-power-bills-surge-amid-data-center-boom

### 2026-06-10: US Data Center Opposition Fuels Claims of Chinese Funding

Wyoming residents protest a large worker housing plan for data centers, while some US officials allege, without solid proof, that China is funding anti‑data‑center activism.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-data-center-opposition-fuels-claims-of-chinese-funding

### 2026-06-08: Maryland and Pennsylvania towns push back on data center zoning proposals

Maryland and Pennsylvania local governments are recommending rejection or tighter regulation of data‑center zoning after community concerns over environmental and health impacts.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maryland-and-pennsylvania-towns-push-back-on-data-center-zoning-proposals

### 2026-05-30: PJM Interconnection forecasts adequate summer power supply amid data center load growth

PJM Interconnection says summer 2026 will have enough generation (180,200 MW) for an expected 156,400 MW peak, with a 26% reserve margin, while NERC warns data‑center loads raise reliability risks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pjm-interconnection-forecasts-adequate-summer-power-supply-amid-data-center-load-growth

### 2026-05-29: Nextpower acquires Prevalon Energy to enter BESS and AI data center markets

Nextpower will buy Prevalon Energy for up to $365 million, adding over 6 GWh of BESS capacity and AI‑data‑center contracts, and raising its FY2027 revenue outlook to $4‑4.4 billion.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nextpower-acquires-prevalon-energy-to-enter-bess-and-ai-data-center-markets

### 2026-05-28: NextEra Energy to Acquire Dominion in $66.8 B Deal Creating Largest U.S. Utility for AI Power Needs

NextEra Energy will buy Dominion for $66.8 B, creating the largest U.S. regulated utility to boost power infrastructure for AI and data‑center growth, serving 10 million customers.

38 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nextera-energy-to-acquire-dominion-in-668-b-deal-creating-largest-us-utility-for-ai-power-needs

### 2026-05-26: U.S. data center projects encounter rising community resistance

U.S. data centers face expanding community opposition, blocking $64 bn of projects; a $2 bn Indianapolis plan confronts local resistance over power use, generators and soil contamination.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-data-center-projects-encounter-rising-community-resistance

### 2026-05-20: NextEra Energy's $67 B Dominion Acquisition Sparks Consumer Rate and Climate Fears

NextEra's $67 B bid for Dominion aims to meet AI data‑center power needs but faces regulator scrutiny over consumer rates and climate impact.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nextera-energys-67-b-dominion-acquisition-sparks-consumer-rate-and-climate-fears

### 2026-05-19: US data center boom spurs $900bn GDP but sparks local backlash

US data centers generate $927 bn GDP and 5.5 m jobs while facing rising local opposition.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-data-center-boom-spurs-900bn-gdp-but-sparks-local-backlash

### 2026-05-18: PJM warns summer grid strain may trigger demand controls as East Coast power prices jump

PJM warns summer heat could strain its grid, prompting demand controls as East Coast power prices rise sharply.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pjm-warns-summer-grid-strain-may-trigger-demand-controls-as-east-coast-power-prices-jump

### 2026-05-18: US Data Center Boom Drives Small‑Cap Stock Opportunities

US data center investment hits $45.7 B in 2025, spurring a small‑cap stock rally and strong earnings for infrastructure firms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-data-center-boom-drives-smallcap-stock-opportunities

### 2026-05-18: NextEra Energy's $67 B Deal to Acquire Dominion Energy

NextEra Energy will buy Dominion Energy for about $67 b, forming the world’s largest regulated utility to meet AI data‑center power demand.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nextera-energy-to-acquire-dominion-energy-for-67-b-forming-largest-us-utility

### 2026-05-13: PJM wholesale power prices jump 75% as datacenter demand spikes

PJM wholesale electricity prices rose 75% as datacenter demand outstrips supply, prompting calls for BYOP rules.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pjm-wholesale-power-prices-jump-75-as-datacenter-demand-spikes

### 2026-05-11: North Carolina utilities commission halts Duke Energy solar procurement pending carbon plan

North Carolina utilities commission ordered Duke Energy to pause new solar procurement, risking 770 MW of capacity and higher rates.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-carolina-utilities-commission-halts-duke-energy-solar-procurement-pending-carbon-plan

### 2026-05-11: U.S. Utilities and Corporations Boost Clean Energy and Data Center Power Plans

U.S. utilities and corporates are rapidly expanding clean‑energy capacity, with PPL's data‑center pipeline reaching 28 GW and corporate buyers procuring arecord

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-utilities-and-corporations-boost-clean-energy-and-data-center-power-plans

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Cite as: US and global data center expansion meets growing backlash. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-utility-and-corporate-cleanenergy-efforts-expand-while-facing-regulatory-delays