Governor Executive Orders
Twelve governors have signed executive orders or directives restricting data center development in 2026 — six Democrats and six Republicans. The pace has accelerated sharply: Utah acted first in May, and six governors signed in September alone.
OhioR
Gov. DeWine
Paused new data center sales-tax exemption requests. Ordered joint committee study of the industry.
UtahR
Gov. Cox
Data Center Framework: heightened agency review for water, air quality, ratepayers, and wildlife.
LouisianaR
Gov. Landry
Data centers must fully fund power and infrastructure before receiving state tax incentives.
New YorkD
Gov. Hochul
First statewide moratorium. Environmental permits paused for facilities over 50 MW.
NebraskaR
Gov. Pillen
Ended ImagiNE Act tax incentives for data centers. Ordered multi-agency impact review.
TexasR
Gov. Abbott
Halted all new data center grid connections pending PUCT/ERCOT audit of 474 GW queue.
KentuckyD
Gov. Beshear
Directed permit denials for harmful environmental impacts. Bars utility rate increases tied to data center development.
PennsylvaniaD
Gov. Shapiro
GRID Requirements for 25 MW+. Removed fast-track permits. Banned NDAs with communities.
OregonD
Gov. Kotek
Froze all state land for data centers through Jul 2027. Supports statewide moratorium for 2027 legislature.
MassachusettsD
Gov. Healey
Community approval required before state permits for 25 MW+. Banned agency NDAs. Ratepayer Protection Fund.
NevadaR
Gov. Lombardo
Full school tax, community commitment, water and grid protections required for tax abatements.
VirginiaD
Gov. Spanberger
Ended by-right zoning for 25 MW+. Banned NDAs. Clean energy mandates. Created AI Task Force.