The Policy Landscape
Governments Are Acting
The conversation about AI and infrastructure has moved from debate to policy. At every level, decisions are being made about costs, resources, and how benefits are distributed.
The quality of that action varies. Some states are building strong consumer protections while making room for necessary infrastructure investment. Others are rolling out incentives with minimal guardrails. Paying attention to what's happening in your state matters.
Federal
The AI Action Plan designates grid expansion as a national priority. FERC has directed PJM reforms. DOE aims to upgrade 100,000 miles of transmission.
State
300+ data center bills filed across 30 states in early 2026. 18+ states have introduced special rate classes so large energy users pay rates reflecting their infrastructure impact. Not all bills protect consumers equally.
Local
Marana, AZ banned municipal water for data center cooling. Tucson requires water conservation plans. Communities that engage early are setting their own terms.
Industry
Data centers are shifting from passive consumers to active stakeholders, co-investing in infrastructure and enabling load flexibility. Voluntary commitments vary in substance.