Author Archives: Tessa Zavala

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

More than a dozen shareholder resolutions are said to have been filed concerning data centers. Shareholders at Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and others want to know about water & electric usage by data centers. Shareholders argue that without disclosures regulatory risks cannot be ascertained. @sovereignty.ai

Louisiana is advancing House Bill 410 to ensure recording by smart glasses and AI pendants are disclosed, requiring two party consent, and otherwise covered by the state’s laws. The Republican bill author seeks to address “viral social media posts of women being recorded without their approval.” The bill is opposed by the Louisiana Press Association. […]

South Dakota Legislature passed a new fee bill for data centers. HB 1038 was signed by the Governor and imposes a fee on data centers to cover the cost of Public Utility Commission reviews. South Dakota Searchlight | Data center restrictions signed into South Dakota law after push for incentives failed

Blue Origin has joined the space race for orbiting data centers. Blue Origin’s Project Sunrise was filed with the FCC this week. The biggest hurdle for data centers in space: funding. This is a surprise to no one. Tech Crunch | Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin enters the space data center game