tax incentives

Massachusetts will pause data center tax incentives until energy and environmental protections are established, as Gov. Maura Healey emphasized the need to prevent rising utility costs and environmental harm. The new framework requires data centers to use clean energy, avoid shifting costs to other consumers, and contribute to clean energy goals, with the state noting it is not a major data center hub due to high costs and regulations.

The New Orleans City Council advanced the $600 million Omni hotel project by approving a zoning change to bypass height regulations. The project, led by the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, seeks tax incentives including a revised PILOT agreement that includes job commitments and local hiring requirements. Despite opposition from state officials, hospitality workers, and watchdog groups, the council approved the zoning change without dissent.

Environmental groups are challenging North Carolina’s decision to pause Duke Energy’s utility-scale solar and battery projects until a long-term plan is approved. The state commission argues this prevents overcommitment to potential surplus energy, while environmental groups claim the delay risks missing tax incentives and increasing customer costs due to growing electricity demand.

Protesters gathered outside a private luncheon, urging Indiana Governor Mike Braun to slow the expansion of data centers and stop offering tax incentives to the companies behind them.

Around 30 European family offices are considering establishing operations in Hong Kong, citing tax incentives and optimism about China’s technology sector and Hong Kong’s property market. InvestHK, led by Jason Fong, is assisting these family offices in setting up operations in the city.

The Hong Kong government has introduced an action plan featuring broader tax incentives and a pre-approval mechanism to attract companies to establish corporate treasury centres in the city. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu highlighted the initiative as a strategy to solidify Hong Kong's position as a global corporate treasury hub.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker paused state tax incentives for data centers due to legislative inaction on managing their energy costs, joining Ohio which also halted similar incentives. The move faces opposition from organized labor groups concerned about job losses, while Pritzker argues data centers disproportionately strain utilities without sufficient return.

Data centers in the United States have become a growing public concern in 2026 due to environmental impacts, rising electricity demands, and economic incentives. Ohio residents have shown increased interest, with search volumes for 'data centers' rising tenfold in a year. Public worries include water supply effects, electricity price hikes, and the economic efficiency of tax incentives for data centers.

North Carolina's House Energy and Public Utilities Committee advanced a bill to restrict data centers from shifting energy costs to consumers and require environmental impact assessments before new facilities are approved. The legislation, Senate Bill 730, mandates noise and water use studies, bans local tax incentives for data centers, and examines utility policies to address energy affordability concerns.