Good morning. Most Texas data centers ignored a mandatory water inquiry, MISO proposed new operating rules for large loads, and Google signed for up to 1 GW of Utah geothermal power. The backlash now has a ballot box.
Top Stories
ONLY 97 OF 324 TEXAS DATA CENTERS ANSWER A WATER INQUIRY
The Dallas Morning News
Companies that ignored the state-mandated request could face criminal investigation. Texas does not have a complete data-center inventory, and researchers estimate the industry could account for about 5% of statewide water use by 2030.
MISO SETS RAMPING AND RIDE-THROUGH RULES FOR DATA CENTERS
Utility Dive
The grid operator proposed real-time forecasting, phasor monitoring and disturbance standards for large loads. MISO defines them as facilities above 50 MW, with special rules for computational loads containing at least 25 MW of IT equipment.
GOOGLE SIGNS FOR UP TO 1 GW OF UTAH GEOTHERMAL POWER
The Salt Lake Tribune
Fervo Energy's Cape Station project near Milford could supply a future low-carbon Google data center. The deal puts next-generation geothermal at the scale of a large conventional power plant.
THIRD MISSOURI OFFICIAL FALLS TO THE NEBIUS DATA-CENTER REVOLT
Newsweek
Independence voters recalled Councilman John Perkins 68% to 32%, removing a third member who backed the project after two others lost in April. The nearly 400-acre campus could reach 1.2 GW under a 20-year Chapter 100 abatement.
TRUMP HOLDS THE LINE AS DATA-CENTER POLLING TURNS SOUR
POLITICO
The president remains committed to rapid construction while vulnerable House Republicans press for a response before the midterms. Even an industry insider questions whether the White House has a plan to reverse public sentiment.
Power & Grid
CALIFORNIA REJECTS A WILDFIRE SHIELD AND UTILITY STOCKS CRATER
Utility Dive
Lawmakers refused to cap utility wildfire liability, sending PG&E down 20% and Edison International down 23%. Edison suffered its worst one-day fall in more than 25 years.
STATES CHALLENGE NEARLY $4 BILLION IN OFFSHORE-WIND BUYOUTS
Canary Media
The administration has agreed to refund companies walking away from 12 leases, often alongside fossil-fuel investment commitments. California is the eighth state to sue, challenging a $120 million refund tied to a planned 2-GW floating-wind project.
PRIVATE GAS PLANTS COULD SKIRT NEVADA'S CLEAN-ENERGY LAW
Nevada Current
A data-center developer wants two gas-fired plants within 30 miles of Reno as growth outruns NV Energy's ability to serve new projects. The private supply arrangement could avoid the state's renewable-energy requirements.
A $350 MILLION BATTERY PROJECT RISES ON A WEST VIRGINIA STRIP MINE
Fast Company
Google is supporting Mammoth Solar, which pairs lithium-ion and zinc batteries with solar on 500 acres of abandoned mine land. The hybrid design aims to push renewable output deeper into the night.
RWE WINS APPROVAL FOR A 200-MW ILLINOIS BATTERY PLANT
Belleville News-Democrat
The St. Clair County project will occupy about 20 acres near an Ameren substation and solar farm. RWE expects operation as early as 2028 and projects $21 million in property taxes over 20 years.
Data Centers
NEW JERSEY ENDS A $250 MILLION DATA-CENTER INCENTIVE
NJ.com
The state pulled back a tax-break program created only two years ago to attract large AI facilities. The reversal is one of the clearest signs that the incentives race is giving way to a political backlash.
PENNSYLVANIA LAWMAKERS REGRET A $1.8 BILLION TAX BREAK
PennLive
The bipartisan 2021 program lets qualifying data centers skip the state's 6% sales tax on computer equipment. Legislators now question the cost, but repeal has stalled.
ARIZONA'S ATTORNEY GENERAL CALLS FOR A DATA-CENTER MORATORIUM
The Arizona Republic
Kris Mayes asked Gov. Katie Hobbs and state lawmakers to consider a temporary halt to new development. The request pushes Arizona's dispute over electricity, water and incentives into statewide politics.
FREDERICK COUNTY LANDS A $110 MILLION DATA-CENTER DEAL
DC News Now
Catellus will shrink its proposed campus by nearly 20%, cut potable-water use almost 80% and preserve 433 acres. The agreement also funds a school renovation and other community investments.
CALIFORNIA ORDERS A DATA-CENTER RATE REVIEW
Utility Dive
SB 1168 directs state regulators to examine new rate structures so data centers pay a reasonable share of the transmission and distribution costs they create. The bill is awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature.
Stat of the Day
1 of roughly 25
Data-center recall efforts nationwide that have reached a ballot
Independence is the first, and voters removed the councilman by better than two to one.
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