Overview
- Rep. Byron Donalds has proposed federal legislation that would require hyperscale data centers to source their own electricity and water rather than drawing from public utilities.
- Florida this year passed SB 484, which obliges large data centers to cover their energy and water infrastructure costs and to file plans for high water use.
- Polls show opposition to nearby data centers has jumped sharply across parties, with recent surveys finding a plurality of Americans now oppose builds within a few miles of their homes.
- Dozens of local governments in Florida and a one-year moratorium in New York reflect growing local action, with many counties issuing bans or pause orders over grid strain, water use and noise concerns.
- The White House and major tech firms have offered voluntary commitments to fund new power sources for builds, but enforcement is unclear and the issue has become a campaign flashpoint in 2026 races.