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2026 Maine Senate Race
Key developments
National protests target AI data center buildout
Opponents used a July 18 national day of action to pressure officials over rapid AI data center development, with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reporting HumansFirst planned protests at at least 125 U.S. locations. Ryan Marshall of the Frederick News-Post reported several dozen protesters outside Winchester Hall in Frederick, Maryland, objecting to the county’s 2,615-acre data center overlay zone after County Executive Jessica Fitzwater paused new approvals through Dec. 31. Alexa Erbach of Fox Carolina reported a Spartanburg protest against Valara Holdings’ nearly $3 billion project, which is seeking a state air permit for 11 natural gas-fired turbines.
Why it matters
Public opposition is becoming coordinated nationally while also tying directly into local moratoria, air permits and zoning fights.
Sources & driving stories
HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER
Honolulu Star-Advertiser coverageFREDERICK NEWS-POST · Ryan Marshall
Frederick News-Post coverageFOX CAROLINA · Alexa Erbach
Fox Carolina coverageEPA proposal could narrow permit challenges
Alejandra Martinez of the San Antonio Report reported that the EPA is proposing changes to minor-source air pollution permitting that would give states more control over public notice and input before permits are issued or denied. In Texas, the change could let TCEQ rewrite rules affecting data centers that use diesel generators and gas turbines. The report said at least 38 Texas data centers have received minor-source permits for on-site power since 2024, covering more than 2,100 diesel backup generators statewide.
Why it matters
Air permitting for on-site power is emerging as a central regulatory chokepoint for AI-scale data center growth.
Sources & driving stories
SAN ANTONIO REPORT · Alejandra Martinez
San Antonio Report coverageElk River developer withdraws data center application
The Star Democrat reported that Elk River Capital LLC and Swervo Development withdrew their Minnesota data center application after the Elk River City Council unanimously rejected a zoning amendment on July 6. The developers had proposed converting a vacant 62,000-square-foot former injection-molding facility into a 33-megawatt data center. The council also directed staff to prepare a one-year moratorium on new data center applications, with review scheduled for Aug. 3.
Why it matters
The withdrawal shows local zoning votes and moratoriums are already stopping or reshaping proposed mid-sized data center projects.
Sources & driving stories
THE STAR DEMOCRAT
The Star Democrat coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Cave City project heads to town hall
Spectrum News Kentucky reported Kentucky Industrial Alliance is challenging Cave City’s moratorium in court over a proposed 381-acre hyperscale data center near Mammoth Cave, while county leaders set a July 21 town hall for public input.
WORTH NOTING
Iowa moratoria keep spreading
The Gazette’s Althea Cole noted Linn County approved an 18-month moratorium July 1, Dubuque County passed a 12-month moratorium in May, and Fairfax adopted an indefinite moratorium for high-impact data centers above 10 megawatts.
WORTH NOTING
Michigan weighs utility collateral rules
WGVU News reported Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall said lawmakers may codify parts of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposal requiring data centers to provide more upfront collateral for large utility demands and pledge host-community benefits.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will local moratoria survive developer lawsuits?
Cave City and Eagan are already facing legal challenges, while Elk River is preparing a moratorium after a project withdrawal.
OPEN QUESTION
How will on-site power be governed?
The EPA proposal, Texas minor-source permits and Spartanburg’s turbine application all point to unresolved conflicts over speed, emissions and public participation.