Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-2026
Abstract
The construction of new data centers for artificial intelligence has become a major engine of the U.S. economy. More than 700 data centers are now under construction across 40 states, with many more to come.
These are typically multi-billion-dollar projects. This boom is facing growing public opposition, which has led to an extremely volatile regulatory land-scape, especially at the state and local levels. That landscape is the subject of this article. This volatility has raised the cost of capital for data centers and led to the cancellation of many, and to heightened due diligence by lenders and others.
Disciplines
Environmental Law | Law
Recommended Citation
Michael B. Gerrard,
Data Centers Face Volatile Regulatory Landscape,
N.Y.L.J., August 27, 2026
(2026).
Available at:
https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/sabin_climate_change/279
For information and resources from the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, please visit us here.