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Key developments
Muncy seeks lawyer for data center ordinance
Muncy Township Planning Commission is asking township approval to hire a lawyer with zoning and large-project experience to help draft data center rules. The township is under a six-month moratorium and is weighing restrictions including 1,000- to 1,500-foot setbacks, tree buffers, and two-story height limits tied to local fire equipment limits. Rep. Joe Hamm is scheduled to attend the July 15 meeting to discuss possible Pennsylvania statewide moratorium legislation.
Why it matters
The case shows local governments moving quickly to convert temporary data center moratoria into defensible zoning rules before projects advance.
Sources & driving stories
WILLIAMSPORT SUN-GAZETTE
Williamsport Sun-Gazette coverageDaikin and NTT DATA launch cooling AI pilot
Daikin Industries and NTT DATA Japan will launch a joint proof of concept in July 2026 for AI-based data center cooling optimization in Japan. The system will infer internal server thermal conditions from signals such as power consumption and available temperature data, then coordinate HVAC, chiller, and liquid cooling controls. Validation will run at an NTT DATA Japan data center through March 2027, with commercialization targeted for fiscal 2027.
Why it matters
Cooling optimization is becoming a critical lever as AI server density raises power and thermal-management costs.
Sources & driving stories
DAIKIN
Daikin coverageRatepayer Protection Act faces data center criticism
Tom Perkins reported for Yahoo that critics say the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act may not fully shield electricity consumers from costs tied to rapid data center and AI infrastructure growth. The bill advanced through a House subcommittee in mid-June, but a full committee vote planned for July 1 was delayed. Food and Water Watch and the Center for Biological Diversity argue the bill’s protections are largely voluntary and object to provisions that would reduce NEPA review for transmission and related infrastructure.
Why it matters
The debate highlights growing tension over who pays for grid upgrades driven by large-load data center development.
Sources & driving stories
YAHOO · Tom Perkins
Yahoo coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Spanberger addresses Valley Link concerns
Karesha Graham reported that Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger discussed the proposed 765-kV Valley Link transmission line, local concerns over rural and historic impacts, and Virginia’s new data center tax during remarks in Albemarle County.
WORTH NOTING
Digital Realty adds Northern Virginia capacity
Jeff Lewis reported that Digital Realty agreed to buy a blended 64% equity interest in three fully leased Blackstone-affiliated Northern Virginia data centers totaling 288 MW of IT capacity, in a portfolio valued at $7.8 billion.
WORTH NOTING
Skanska notes Virginia data center win
Sasha Jovanovic reported that Skanska’s recent contract wins included a US$94 million data center contract in Virginia, reinforcing mission-critical construction as part of its backlog mix.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Can local moratoria become durable zoning?
Muncy officials are weighing strict setbacks and siting rules while warning that overly aggressive restrictions could be challenged in court.
OPEN QUESTION
Who absorbs AI-driven grid costs?
The federal ratepayer bill criticism and Virginia transmission debate both point to unresolved cost allocation for data center-related power demand.