Timeline
February 15, 2026 — February 19, 2026
World
Timeline: How States Moved to Regulate Data Centers Over Rising Energy Costs
As American electricity bills rise, states are increasingly scrutinizing data centers' impact on consumer energy costs. What began as aggressive competition to attract these facilities has shifted to regulatory action, with Oregon leading the way and other states like Illinois following with comprehensive legislation to address climate and cost impacts.
4 events · 4 days · 25 source articles
Wed, Jan 1, 2025
Major
Oregon Enacts Differential Pricing Law for Data Centers
Oregon became one of the first states to enact legislation requiring utilities to charge data centers different electric prices than other industries. The law recognized that data centers drive up the cost of energy production and transmission for other consumers. This marked a significant policy shift from states' previous aggressive competition to attract data center facilities.
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Major
National Focus Emerges on Data Center Energy Costs
Multiple news outlets across the United States published coordinated reporting on the growing movement among states to regulate data centers due to rising electricity bills. The coverage highlighted how Americans are increasingly frustrated with their energy costs and how state officials are scrutinizing power-hungry data center projects. The reporting emphasized a fundamental shift from states competing for data centers to protecting consumers from their impacts.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Illinois Proposes Comprehensive Data Center Regulation Bill
A new Illinois bill was introduced seeking to rein in data centers' power and water consumption impacts on residents while helping the state meet its climate goals. The legislation came amid growing concerns about the industry's environmental footprint, with a November study predicting U.S. data centers could consume as much water as 10 million Americans and match the carbon dioxide emissions of 10 million cars by the end of the decade. The bill could serve as a blueprint for other states facing similar challenges.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
Local Communities and States Push Back Against Data Center Expansion
Reporting revealed that local communities across the country are fighting against data centers proposed in their neighborhoods. The backlash comes as the speed of the data center boom has outpaced calls for national regulations, leaving the industry largely unchecked. Some advocates are calling for a moratorium on the industry's expansion to allow for more research into its impacts.
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