House Republicans told the FBI that local data center protests across America may be secretly funded by Beijing — and New York just became the first state in history to ban new data centers outright.
🚨 **COMMUNITY** — House Energy & Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel and PCAST on June 5, citing "strong evidence" that opposition to U.S. data centers is being orchestrated by China. House Ways & Means Chair Jason Smith (R-MO) separately asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to strip tax-exempt status from nonprofits linked to Shanghai-based billionaire Neville Roy Singham. The investigation spans 3 committees; a briefing is demanded by June 18.
⚖️ **LEGAL** — New York's legislature passed the Responsible Data Center Development Act on June 5 — a one-year moratorium on permits for any facility over 20 MW. The Senate voted 44–16; the Assembly voted 102–39. Governor Kathy Hochul, who has expressed reservations, has until December to sign or veto. Eleven other states are watching closely.
⚡ **POWER** — Portland General Electric filed on June 5 to raise electricity rates for large-load data center customers by 29%, while cutting residential rates 1.3%. The proposal implements Oregon's POWER Act, which shifts grid infrastructure costs to heavy users. New rates take effect June 10 if Oregon's Public Utility Commission approves. Twenty-two other states are considering similar laws.
💰 **INVESTMENT** — The Niagara Falls City Council voted June 4 to approve a settlement ending a years-long legal dispute, clearing the way for a $1.48B Niagara Digital Campus. Niagara Falls Redevelopment and Toronto's Urbacon Data Centre Solutions will build 9 buildings on 53 acres. The project creates 5,600 construction jobs and 550 permanent positions, plus a 10-acre public park.
🏗️ **NEW BUILD** — Charlotte-based TAC Data Centers plans a 1GW, 1,000-acre campus in Wythe County, Virginia — a rural Appalachian county with no zoning. The 9–11 building complex totals up to 4 million sq ft. Over 1,000 MW required — enough for 730,000 homes. First half online by 2029, second half by 2031–2032.
