Key developments
New York bill targets data-center subsidies
NYSenate.gov reported amendment A to S9182, the Stop Subsidizing Data Centers Act, on May 22. The bill would block data centers from receiving economic development power allocations and cap aid at $25,000 per anticipated full-time job, while barring assistance for projects capable of consuming more than 20 MW when complete. It would also make the Department of Environmental Conservation the mandatory lead agency for actions above 50 MW and require full environmental impact statements for projects within 10 miles of federally recognized Indian nation territory.
Why it matters
It would sharply raise the cost and complexity of large New York data center projects.
Sources & driving stories
NYSENATE.GOV
NYSenate.gov coverageGoogle proposes $15 billion Missouri data center
STLPR reported that Google announced a $15 billion data center south of Interstate 70 near New Florence in Montgomery County, Missouri, alongside an Amazon Data Services project on the same megasite. County officials are considering a 70% personal property tax abatement on equipment such as servers, paired with $10 million annually for 20 years and local allocations to High Hill, New Florence, the Gasconade County School District, Wellsville, and Middletown. Commissioners plan a June 8 hearing on the cost-benefit analysis behind the incentive package.
Why it matters
The project could reshape local tax revenue and infrastructure planning around a major hyperscale buildout.
Sources & driving stories
STLPR
STLPR coverageChip Roy files data-center reporting bill
FOX 7 Austin reported that Rep. Chip Roy filed the Public Oversight of Water and Energy Reporting Act on May 22. The bill would require the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to report to Congress on water and energy use by data centers eligible for expedited federal permitting under Executive Order 14318, including AI facilities above 100 MW. The reporting would also break out grid connections and the costs of interconnection, including whether owners or subsidies paid for them.
Why it matters
It would create a federal reporting regime for the resource footprint of large data centers.
Sources & driving stories
FOX 7 AUSTIN
FOX 7 Austin coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Maine launches advisory council
The state opened a formal policy process that will produce recommendations by January 2027 on ratepayer protection, grid reliability, and environmental safeguards.
WORTH NOTING
Ohio tax break costs far exceed estimates
New actual cost data show the state’s data-center sales tax exemption reached $1.6 billion in 2025, intensifying pressure on lawmakers after vetoed repeal efforts.
WORTH NOTING
Duke starts campus data center site prep
The university’s 1.5 MW project is moving into construction, making it a concrete example of smaller institutional demand despite local drought and moratorium concerns.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will New York’s subsidy cap survive debate?
The bill’s 20 MW and 50 MW thresholds could be revised, and those details will determine how much practical impact the proposal has.
OPEN QUESTION
Will Missouri officials change the Google package?
The June 8 hearing should show whether local leaders can defend the abatement once the revenue tradeoffs are spelled out.