Monthly Archives: April 2026

This week, Maine’s Governor signed Executive Order 5 that creates the Maine Data Center Advisory Council. The press release includes that “The Council will make recommendations on large-scale data center development in Maine to protect ratepayers, maintain electric grid reliability, minimize environmental impacts, and enable responsible economic development.”

Florida’s Governor wants an AI Bill of Rights. The Speaker of the House procedurally killed the legislation this week. It’s a he said/she said free for all. “DeSantis accused House Republicans of catering to the “Big Tech cartel” while the Speaker suggested deference to Congress. Florida Phoenix | Florida Speaker kills DeSantis’ AI regulation, vaccine […]

Some think data centers are moving away from power purchase agreements for wind and solar with battery storage  to natural gas generation. Are they right? Hold the phone, Tech Crunch wants us to know that Google is looking to generation for data centers from solar and batteries with 100 hour power release time tables. The cost of solar and battery […]

@gizmodo highlights Space X’s SEC S-1 filing which is said to include a statement that space based data centers will not be commercially viable.

In 2023, 69% of Virginia voters supported new data centers. In 2026, 35% of Virginia voters support new data centers. Numbers are from a new Washington Post/Schar School of Policy and Government poll.

June 2o26 Monterey Park, California will vote whether to ban data center development indefinitely within the city limits. August 2026 Augusta Township, Michigan will vote in August whether to override a decision to rezone an area of property for a proposed data center. November 2026  Janesville, will vote whether to redevelop a former General Motors plant earmarked as […]

Why do prediction markets favor FTC oversight? Last week we talked about how the FTC has sued to stop prediction market regulatory actions in 3 states. A reason that that prediction markets favor the FTC as a regulator is that with their IPOs looming, they want “safe-haven regulatory environment with as little taxation as possible.” […]

This week Stanford released its annual AI report. This year, the focus is on the growing disconnect between AI insiders and the rest of us. It also discusses the recent Gallup poll showing a general disapproval rate of AI at 65%. Only 15% of GenZ believe AI has benefits.  In contrast, 56% of AI experts believe AI will be a net […]

This week Maine became the 1st state to ban data centers. The data center ban in Maine applies to data centers that use more than 20MW of power, and the ban lasts until fall 2027. At least 12 other states are considering similar temporary bans. @postpolitics @tinlidhatco

Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to explore stronger AI standards for state procurement — ensuring that companies demonstrate responsible policies and meet rigorous privacy and security standards while expanding the state’s responsible and ethical use of AI to make government more efficient, effective and engaged. @cbsla