Data Centers: Daily Notes | September 15, 2026

Texas

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Water Development Board to begin penalizing data centers and other major water users that fail to comply with mandatory reporting requirements.

Texas Water Development Board

The mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens. Our mission is a vital part of Texas’ overall vision and the state’s mission and goals that relate to maintaining the viability of the state’s natural resources, health, and economic development.

Texas Water Development Board

Abbott said many companies may have already violated civil and criminal statutes by withholding usage data, undermining the state’s ability to plan for future water needs. Under the Texas Water Code, violators face fines and can lose eligibility for permits from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The directive follows Abbott’s August audit order, which critics said relied too heavily on voluntary cooperation. Democratic candidate Clayton Tucker argued that more than 70 percent of data centers ignored reporting requests, showing the weakness of Texas’ “business‑friendly” approach. Abbott instructed the TWDB to coordinate with ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission and to update his office on enforcement by Oct. 14.

Manatee County, Florida

Manatee County commissioners voted unanimously to impose a 12‑month moratorium on data centers, halting applications while officials study potential impacts on residents and the environment.

Manatee County approves a moratorium on data centers

Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously in support of putting a moratorium on data centers.

WMNF 88.5 FMAlyssa Fraser

The measure was spearheaded by Commissioners Amanda Ballard, Tal Siddique, and Bob McCann, and passed without public discussion. Neighboring DeSoto County recently approved a controversial data center project, intensifying local concerns. Officials said the moratorium will allow time to evaluate zoning, infrastructure, and environmental standards.

Statesville, North Carolina

Statesville’s City Council unanimously approved a 180‑day moratorium on new data center applications, halting acceptance, processing, and approvals through March 2027.

The pause comes amid national pushback against the industry’s heavy water and electricity demands, with Charlotte and Kings Mountain enacting similar measures. Residents urged more coordination with Iredell County to manage growth and protect community resources. The moratorium does not affect the Compass Data Center project already underway near Interstate 40, a 350‑acre campus expected to employ 200 people. Officials said the pause will give them time to study environmental and infrastructure impacts.

Alachua, Florida

Alachua’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved a 12‑month moratorium on data centers, halting applications while officials study potential impacts and draft regulations.

Alachua planning board passes 12-month moratorium on data centers

Residents raise concerns for second time in a week over data center regulations

WCJBMajesty Wiggins

The vote followed a failed meeting the prior week due to lack of quorum, giving residents their first chance to voice concerns about growth and the county’s comprehensive plan. Residents like Zoe King said the pause is a step forward but may not be long enough to address all issues. Officials clarified no data center projects are currently proposed and that the parcel at the center of discussion lies outside county jurisdiction.

Clarendon County, South Carolina

Clarendon County Council unanimously approved a moratorium pausing future data center development, closing loopholes that previously allowed applications without county oversight.

Clarendon County Council advances third, final reading of data center moratorium

The Clarendon County Council passed its third and final reading for a moratorium pausing future data center development in the county.

https://www.wistv.com

Council members said the measure ensures no new projects can advance until research is completed, though they emphasized an outright ban would be discriminatory. Public concern centered on Project 59, a potential facility tied to Santee Electric Co‑op, which owns land but has not finalized plans or requested tax breaks. Officials noted the project would use a closed‑loop cooling system recycling water for up to a decade, but residents questioned environmental impacts and tourism risks. The moratorium followed a lengthy public hearing where citizens demanded stronger protections. Council members pledged to study long‑term effects before considering future applications.

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San Francisco, California

San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton announced plans to introduce a 45‑day moratorium on new data center approvals, citing concerns about environmental impacts and disproportionate siting in working‑class communities.

The proposal comes after a recent plan to build a facility at the Cow Palace in Daly City and amid the presence of five existing centers in Bayview‑Hunters Point. Walton said the pause would allow the city to study impacts on water, electricity, and neighborhood health, with extensions possible up to 220 days. Residents and activists argued the facilities burden communities of color, echoing national calls to slow AI development. The moratorium would halt new permits and expansions, including power upgrades for existing centers.

Dubuque County, Iowa

Dubuque County supervisors are six work sessions into drafting new rules for data centers, with a citizens’ accountability group pushing for strict setbacks from homes, roads, streams, and sinkholes.

County maps showed the proposed restrictions would leave few viable sites, but residents said protecting land and water must come first. Supervisors also discussed monitoring aquifers, weighing the cost of drilling wells to track water levels. Officials said hard data is needed to guide zoning decisions, not projections or models. The county’s moratorium on new applications remains in place while rules are developed.

North Little Rock, Arkansas

North Little Rock’s City Council approved new zoning rules that formally define “data center campuses” and restrict them to I‑3 industrial zones under conditional use permits.

The ordinance does not ban data centers but requires projects to meet standards on utilities, noise, and proximity to residential areas. City Attorney Amy Beckman Fields said facilities must prove they will not strain North Little Rock Electric or Central Arkansas Water, ensuring existing customers are protected. Councilmember Steve Baxter said the measure is proactive, noting few sites in the city are large enough for hyperscale centers.

Lima, Ohio

Lima’s City Council approved an 18‑month moratorium on new data centers, giving officials time to evaluate standards for siting, water capacity , and electricity demand.

Mayor Sharetta Smith said the pause allows city departments to research impacts and return with recommendations. Utilities Director Mike Caprella emphasized residential water needs will remain the priority, noting Lima’s five reservoirs hold 15 billion gallons and can treat 30 million gallons daily. Officials said evolving state and federal policies make preparation essential as data center proposals increase nationwide. The moratorium applies only to future projects, not Google’s facility already under construction.

Eagle Mountain, Utah

Eagle Mountain leaders welcomed Meta’s announcement of a massive data center expansion, highlighting the company’s financial contributions and infrastructure support.

Meta has operated in the city since 2018, and officials said its presence has delivered millions in improvements to schools, roads, and utilities. The new agreement includes $600,000 for land for a future elementary school and $450,000 for a science observatory, alongside a 150‑megawatt battery storage project to stabilize energy demand. Mayor Jared Gray said Meta has consistently honored its commitments, making the partnership a model for community integration.

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