Data Centers: Daily Notes | September 03, 2026

North Dakota

A North Dakota legislative committee recommended rejecting Senate Bill 2406, which sought to penalize data center developers that enter nondisclosure agreements with public agencies.

SB 2406 - Overview

An overview regarding SB 2406

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The committee amended the bill to clarify that state agencies can still use confidentiality agreements to protect sensitive information, but ultimately voted for a do‑not‑pass recommendation.

Supporters argued the measure would hold both developers and officials accountable, including possible permit revocations, while opponents said existing transparency laws are sufficient and the issue is too complex for a short special session. Primary sponsor Sen. Tim Mathern’s amendments, including repealing a sales tax exemption for data centers, were ruled not germane. Applied Digital, which is building a facility near Harwood, testified that it used NDAs in compliance with current law. A separate committee is studying data centers and AI, with potential legislation expected in the 2027 regular session.

Data center nondisclosure bill lacks support in committee • North Dakota Monitor

A legislative committee on Wednesday recommended rejecting a bill that would add repercussions to North Dakota data center developers that enter into nondisclosure agreements with public agencies or officials.

North Dakota MonitorJeff Beach

Fresno, California

Fresno’s City Council will debate a resolution Thursday that would ban new data centers for 10 years, marking one of the strongest local proposals yet against AI‑related facilities.

Fresno leaders consider 10-year ban on data centers

The Fresno City Council is set to discuss a proposal to ban new data centers in Fresno for 10 years on Thursday, bringing debate over artificial intelligence-related facilities to the forefront of local government.

ABC30 FresnoBrisa Colón

The measure, authored by Councilmember Nick Richardson, is backed by Mayor Jerry Dyer, who said data centers consume too much water and electricity, take up large tracts of land, and generate few jobs.

Fresno currently has three small facilities, but officials worry about larger hyperscale projects. Richardson said the resolution is meant to close loopholes and counter misinformation, while Councilmember Miguel Arias argued the ban should take effect faster and called for nondisclosure agreements with companies to be made public. Dyer disputed claims of secret talks, saying no companies have approached his administration. He is also preparing a separate code change for December that would formally define and prohibit data centers in city zoning rules.

Newton Falls, Ohio

Newton Falls council unanimously approved a 12‑month moratorium on data centers, joining other Ohio communities in pausing development while officials study impacts.

Councilman Brian Kropp, who sponsored the measure, said the time will be used by the zoning department and city manager to examine infrastructure, utilities, and zoning code requirements. Kropp emphasized that the moratorium is not outright opposition but a planning tool to prepare for potential proposals. Councilman Brian Axiotis, however, called for a permanent ban, arguing data centers offer no benefits and the village lacks land to accommodate large facilities. Kropp did not rule out supporting a ban in the future but said he wants to ensure no potential benefits are overlooked. The moratorium positions Newton Falls to gather information and community input before deciding whether to regulate or prohibit data centers entirely.

Gage County, Nebraska

Gage County residents packed a public hearing to urge leaders to extend the county’s moratorium on data centers from eight months to 18 months, citing concerns about water, land use, and quality of life.

Nearly 30 speakers testified, with many saying the current pause is too short to fully study impacts of hyperscale projects near residential subdivisions valued at $60 million. Residents argued large centers are incompatible with rural communities and could undermine investments in housing. Some called for a permanent moratorium, while others suggested a one‑year limit to avoid legal challenges. Commissioners said they will review testimony and decide in two weeks whether to extend the pause.

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Imperial County, California

Imperial County Superior Court issued a tentative ruling siding with the City of Imperial in its challenge to a proposed data center near residential neighborhoods.

The court's findings cited substantial evidence of potential adverse impacts across multiple sectors, including:

Energy consumption and electrical infrastructure strain

Water supply, wastewater management, and local drainage

Air quality degradation and greenhouse gas emissions

Environmental hazards, dangerous materials, and local fire safety

Ambient noise levels, local traffic congestion, public services, and land use conflicts

Long-term cumulative and growth-inducing community impacts

City officials argued the environmental review was inadequate and failed to account for long‑term community effects. Mayor Ida Obeso‑Martinez said the litigation is about protecting residents and ensuring impacts are fully evaluated, even while acknowledging the potential benefits of responsible industrial growth. The ruling marks a key win for municipal leaders facing pressure over industrial expansion along residential corridors. Proceedings remain ongoing, with the decision not yet final.

Port Angeles, Washington

Port Angeles City Council voted 5‑1 to direct staff to draft a six‑month moratorium on new data center applications, citing concerns about water, power, and environmental impacts.

Port Angeles City Council puts pause on data centers - Peninsula Daily News

Public hearing on moratorium this fall

Peninsula Daily NewsEmily Hanson

Officials said no applications are currently pending, but without a moratorium the city would have to process proposals under existing rules. Councilmember Mark Hodgson warned that other cities have faced pollution, higher utility rates, and minimal job creation from data centers. The council asked staff to examine impacts on electric rates, water use, industrial land, noise, and environmental quality, with input from the Planning Commission and Utility Advisory Committee. Members also discussed the former McKinley Paper mill site, which is zoned heavy industrial and could be treated as a conditional use for data centers. The moratorium language is expected back by September 15 to prevent a filing window before new rules are in place.

Piqua, Ohio

Piqua residents opposed to Meta’s approved data center project are pushing charter amendments and recall petitions, but timing issues may keep them off the November ballot.

Data Center Project | Piqua, OH

Piqua, OHGovernment Websites by CivicPlus®

Save Piqua submitted petitions to ban data centers and recall three city leaders, but the Miami County Board of Elections said the filings missed the Aug. 5 deadline. The board has asked the county prosecutor for guidance, while a separate petition from another resident seeks a broader prohibition on intensive computing facilities and is still under review. City commissioners voted to request ballot placement, but the county’s election notice does not list the amendment. Recall petitions remain in verification, with organizers told they may need more signatures.

📱 Social Buzz

Episode Title: An Interactive Guide to Data Centers in Utah
Episode: RadioWest

Listen:https://radiowest.kuer.org/podcast/radiowest/2026-09-03/a-guide-to-data-centers-in-utah

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