Environmental and Energy Study Institute

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has signed Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge to prevent data center energy costs from burdening consumers. The pledge, part of a federal initiative, requires companies to cover their energy needs and infrastructure costs as the U.S. expands AI-driven data centers. TVA plans to propose rate changes for large power users in August.

Detroit City Council opposes unregulated water use by AI data centers, citing environmental and infrastructure risks. The council approved a resolution requiring safeguards for water consumption and environmental impact, as the city drafts regulations for data center development.

Missouri and other states are struggling to regulate rapidly expanding hyperscale data centers, leading to failed legislation, local moratoriums, and divisive elections. Communities in St. Charles, Festus, and Independence have taken opposing stances on data center projects, highlighting nationwide challenges in managing energy and water use associated with these facilities.