Category:Energy
When Data Centers Become Toxic: Turning Public Backlash into Lasting Regulation
Data centers have rapidly emerged across the country to support the AI boom. Originally, policymakers were supportive of data center construction in their communities because they promised an influx of construction jobs, tax revenue, and community investment. To compete for data center construction in their communities, policymakers relaxes permitting requirements, offered tax subsidies, and signed non-disclosure agreements to keep development plans hidden. This competitive deregulation began to devolve into a race to the bottom; then, the public realized promises of construction fell short.
Data centers’ enormous energy consumption has spiked demand, forcing utility companies to build additional infrastructure and drive up rates for everyone on the grid. The rising energy prices—coupled with impacts on water resources, the environment, and community character—have made the public resentful of data centers in their communities. In response to the growing public resentment, elected officials facing reelection in the November midterm races are pivoting away from pro-data center policies toward increased regulation. Those officials should use the political momentum to build coordinated approaches that will prevent competitive deregulation and protect ratepayers long after the midterms.
Regulatory Challenges in Small Modular Reactor Deployment
As the nuclear energy industry pivots toward small modular reactors (SMRs) to meet the growing demand for a clean, efficient, and reliable energy source, developers face a multilayered regulatory landscape. Navigating the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) licensing process, evolving legislation, and supply chain challenges present both legal and operational risks as the United States attempts to achieve energy independence.
Nuclear Waste Disposal: A Collective Failure but a Collective Opportunity
On Wednesday, March 5th, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on two cases involving the licensing of private contractors for disposal of nuclear waste in Texas. The cases focused on two issues: (1) an administrative law question about a third party being able to challenge an agency ruling, and (2) whether the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) can issue licenses for private companies to operate temporary disposal sites. Ultimately, the holdings will not matter because the underlying problem remains the same. Due to a combination of government inaction and inefficiency, there are no permanent nuclear waste disposal sites in the US.