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RESOURCE LIBRARY
Research, Tools & Guidance
Explore research, policy guidance, tools, and practical resources on data center development, infrastructure, and community impacts.
Examples: Land use, grid planning, water, community benefits, case studies
Featured Video Series
Behind the Cloud
The Behind the Cloud Video Series is a Data Centers 101 resource for local decision-makers. Across eight episodes, it explains how data centers work, how they affect utilities and communities, where governance and cost-allocation challenges arise, and what legal, economic, regulatory, and land-use tools local governments can use to evaluate and shape development.
Background information, key trends, and explainers
Laws, regulation, and policy analysis
Water use, environmental review and natural resources
Planning tools, ordinances, siting, and permitting
Social, economic, and environmental considerations
Grid planning, rates, load growth, and energy markets
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Guides, toolkits, and case studies for city and county leaders.
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Zoning, siting, and permitting resources
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Reports, data, and regulatory information.
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198 Resources
Resources
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Governor Hochul Highlights Next Steps in Nation-Leading Commission to Address Impacts of AI on New Y…
Governor, NY
LOCAL ORDINANCE
Governor Hochul signed an Executive Order to create the nation’s first moratorium on new hyperscale data centers, establishing the strongest standards for data center development and creating a blueprint to support localities. Work of the commision.
Land Use & Zoning • Water & Environment • Community Impacts • Public Policy & Governance
Elected Officials • Planning Staff • Planning Commission • Developers • +2 more
2026
Data Centers Need The Grid. We Can Turn That Into A Carbon Removal Buildout.
Forbes
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
The article proposes mandating data center developers to build and operate Direct Air Capture (DAC) systems alongside their campuses. These DAC units can efficiently utilize surplus renewable energy and the waste heat generated by data centers, turning a power-hungry industry into a driver for atmospheric restoration.
Sustainability • Utilities & Energy • Water & Environment • Community Impacts
Elected Officials • Planning Staff • Community Organizations • General Public
2026
Virginia's New Data Center Accountability Framework: What You Need to Know
Holland & Knight
TOOLKIT
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed Executive Order (EO) 22 on September 18, 2026, establishing what her administration has called "the most comprehensive and aggressive data center accountability effort in the country."
Public Policy & Governance • Community Impacts • Land Use & Zoning
Elected Officials • General Public • Community Organizations • State Agencies • +1 more
2026
Mississippi River mayors help cities navigate rising data center interest
Lousiana Illuminator
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
A look at how three mayors address data center development. https://lailluminator.com/2026/09/18/mayors-data-center/
Public Policy & Governance • Community Impacts
Elected Officials • Community Organizations • General Public
2026
Hopkins researchers help policymakers assess data centers and energy planning
Johns Hopkins University/Bloomberg Center
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
Two resources state leaders can use to develop evidence-based policies to manage data centers, infrastructure needs, and energy affordability.
Public Policy & Governance • Community Impacts • Energy & Grid Planning
Researchers • Planning Staff • Elected Officials
2026
Accounting for AI: Environmental Transparency for a Responsible Digital Future
NRDC
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
Environmental transparency should become part of the basic governance architecture for AI: comparable across companies and countries, independently verified, detailed enough to guide energy and infrastructure planning, and available early enough for affected communities to have a meaningful voice.
Data Center Fundamentals • Energy & Grid Planning • Community Impacts • Public Policy & Governance
Planning Staff • Planning Commission • Elected Officials • Community Organizations
2026
Can communities mitigate their rising concerns about data centers?
Brookings
WEBINAR
A conversation with Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, bringing together community, economic development, and technology experts to explore the role that communities must play in managing data center development
Community Impacts • Public Policy & Governance • Technology & Infrastructure • Sustainability
Elected Officials • Community Organizations • General Public
2026
How Local Communities Can Get The Most Out Of The Data Center Boom
Forbes
ACADEMIC ARTICLE
Local communities hold significant, often unrecognized, leverage over data center developments, as widespread public opposition and numerous project delays demonstrate. A Gallup poll revealed 71% of Americans oppose data centers in their neighborhoods.
Land Use & Zoning • Energy & Grid Planning • Community Impacts • Technology & Infrastructure • +1 more
Elected Officials • General Public
2026
Clean Energy Resources to Meet Data Center Electricity Demand
U.S. Department of Energy
GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE
DOE expecst at least a doubling in current electricity demand. Addressing rising electricity demand requires a portfolio approach to meet near-term growth with commercially available technologies, while also paving the way to support long-term growth.
Technology & Infrastructure • Water & Environment • Utilities & Energy
General Public • Developers • Utility Staff • Public Works • +1 more
2026
Global energy demands within the AI regulatory landscape
Brookings
RESEARCH REPORT
The dialogue examined how rapid AI-driven growth in data centers is impacting increasing electricity and water consumption worldwide.
Public Policy & Governance • Community Impacts • Land Use & Zoning • Data Center Fundamentals
Elected Officials • Planning Staff • Public Works • Developers
2026
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