Briefing 10/03/2025
Weekly updates on the political risks American data center projects
This week’s roundup: In New Jersey, lawmakers passed S4293/A5548 to require data centers to report quarterly water and power use; it awaits Gov. Phil Murphy’s signature, with support from Sen. Bob Smith and environmental groups. In Maryland, more than 200 residents in Adamstown challenged Frederick County’s proposed “critical digital infrastructure” overlay. In Texas, South Taylor neighbors sued to stop Blueprint Data Centers’ 135,000-sq-ft project.
New Jersey bill would force quarterly disclosure of data centers’ water and power use
New Jersey lawmakers passed S4293/A5548, a first-of-its-kind transparency bill requiring data center operators to publicly report—on a quarterly basis—how much electricity and water they consume. The measure is on Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk. He has not said whether he will sign it. Supporters frame the bill as basic accountability amid bill spikes tied to PJM capacity outcomes and AI-driven load growth; trade groups argue it’s redundant with existing permitting and could deter investment.
Why it matters:
If signed, New Jersey would become an early adopter of granular, ongoing public disclosure—potentially a model for New York, Illinois, and Georgia, where similar ideas are circulating—raising compliance overhead and exposing site-by-site resource intensity to public scrutiny.
The bill links AI load growth to recent utility bill increases, strengthening the political case for “cost-causer pays” structures and for local officials to demand mitigation, which could affect incentives, timelines, and community negotiations.
Frederick County residents raise concerns about data center overlay
At a county-hosted community meeting in Adamstown (Sept. 26), more than 200 residents questioned a proposed “critical digital infrastructure” overlay zone that would enable data centers and related substations.
The overlay must cover <1% of county land (~4,200 acres). A draft map (2,566 acres) centers on the Quantum Frederick campus with possible expansions. County staff said the overlay aims to confine development to areas with suitable infrastructure; residents urged limiting it to current sites or waiting to see impacts. A Planning Commission hearing is set for Oct. 15 in Winchester Hall.
Why it matters:
The overlay could formalize where data centers are allowed, affecting siting certainty and timelines in Frederick County.
Frederick County is moving toward a mapped overlay for data centers, but community concerns may narrow or condition it.
Taylor, TX residents sue to stop Blueprint data center on land they say was meant for a park
Neighbors in south Taylor filed a lawsuit against Blueprint Data Centers over a proposed 135,000-sq-ft facility (with an on-site substation) on land they say was deeded in 1999 “to be held in trust for future use as parkland.” A judge temporarily blocked the project while the case proceeds. The site was sold by the city’s economic development corporation to Blueprint for $10M in 2024. A court hearing was set for Sept. 29. The city says the property has been zoned industrial since 2005 and that it isn’t a party to the suit.
Why it matters:
Tests deed restrictions vs. industrial zoning, could set a local precedent for siting challenges in fast-growing Texas markets.
Highlights growing neighborhood mobilization in Texas (lawsuit + local Facebook organizing) against projects near homes and schools.
Mentions in the Press
“In arid New Mexico, a massive data center campus promises jobs, but residents fear it will drain their most precious resource: Water”
“The AI data center boom comes to Vernon”
https://lapublicpress.org/2025/10/ai-data-center-boom-hits-vernon/
Links
“Why Google’s data center plan failed in Indy — and how it could win.”
“‘Not our site’: Meta denies proposing $12 billion data center near New Carlisle.”
“Despite uncertainty, Microsoft optimistic about Wisconsin data centers.”
“Despite Harwood’s refusal, Fargo plans to annex future AI data center site.”
“Massive data center complex moves forward in South Fort Worth, despite opposition.”
“Data centers ‘primary reason’ for high PJM capacity prices: market monitor.”
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/data-centers-pjm-capacity-auction-market-monitor/801780/
“Defendants in Oregon data center case say state waited too long to object to insider deal.”
Thanks-- will be using to talk to my local legislators. Please keep it up!