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New York Commission Launches Inquiry Into Utilities’ Artificial Intelligence Use

The New York Public Service Commission on Sep. 17 opened a statewide review of how electric, gas, and water utilities are using artificial intelligence across their operations, marking one of the state’s first broad examinations of AI governance in the utility sector. The initiative will assess how companies deploy the technology, whether existing oversight is…...

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New York Launches Statewide Environmental Review of Data Centers

The New York Public Service Commission on Sep. 17 launched a statewide environmental review that could reshape how data centers and other large electricity users connect to the electric grid. The regulator issued a positive declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, allowing work to begin on a draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement while…...

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U.S. House Passes Ratepayer Protection Act Requiring Data Centers to Cover Incremental Grid Costs

The U.S. House of Representatives on Sep. 16 approved the Ratepayer Protection Act, sending legislation to the Senate that would require large electricity customers to bear the full cost of grid upgrades built specifically to serve their facilities. The measure passed with broad bipartisan support, reflecting growing concern that the rapid expansion of data centers…...

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Texas Tightens Data Center Water Reporting Enforcement

Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Sep. 14 directed the Texas Water Development Board to enforce mandatory water reporting requirements for major water users, including data centers, after determining some facilities may have violated state law by failing to disclose water consumption. The action strengthens oversight of one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand by…...

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New York Launches First Statewide Data Center Community Investment Framework

New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Sep. 15 announced the nation’s first statewide Host Community Investment Framework, giving local governments a template to negotiate stronger community benefits from future data center projects while broader regulatory standards are developed. The framework recommends a benchmark of $1 million for every megawatt of utility demand, helping communities secure…...

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U.S. EPA Repeals Biden Power Plant Emissions Rule, Proposes to End Remaining Climate Standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Sep. 14 finalized a repeal of most of the Biden administration’s 2024 greenhouse gas standards for power plants and proposed eliminating the remaining federal climate rules for the sector, marking one of the Trump administration’s most significant efforts to reshape U.S. electricity policy. The agency estimates the final action…...

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Minnesota Commission Rejects Gas Plant Addition in Minnesota Power’s Resource Plan

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved a modified Integrated Resource Plan for Minnesota Power, authorizing a package of near-term investments through 2039 while rejecting the utility’s proposal to build a large new natural gas plant, according to a Sept. 14 press release. The regulator determined that Minnesota Power had not established a clear need for…...