Latest news with #state lawmakers
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Big Tech's next major political battle may already be brewing in your backyard
The next major political fight over Big Tech has been brewing for years in the backyards of northern Virginia. Now the debate over data centers is poised to go national. The push by companies like OpenAI and Google to win the artificial intelligence race has led to a proliferation of data centers — giant warehouses for computer systems — in communities across all 50 states. The rise of these server farms has sparked fierce battles from the Virginia suburbs to Tucson, Arizona, and beyond, as city and county governments grapple with how to balance job creation and new revenue streams against the strain data centers put on water and energy resources. That debate is inching up the ballot as state lawmakers race to regulate a nascent industry, governors rush to embrace a new economic boon and Big Tech makes major investments in AI growth. Even as data centers are ready to explode on the national scene, the politics around them don't cut neatly across party lines. The sites sit at the intersection of a typically partisan divide between pro-business interests and organized labor. Efforts to regulate data centers in Virginia's Legislature have drawn bipartisan backing, though they've been largely unsuccessful because of concerns about local control and excessive bureaucracy. And some Democratic officials appear as eager as their Republican counterparts to attract data centers to help bolster their states' economies. 'Every governor — Democrat or Republican — is going to want economic development. I think the question is always at what cost — and that's where you see some of the political rubber meeting the road in terms of cost of energy bills, whether Big Tech's paying its fair share,' Virginia-based Democratic strategist Jared Leopold said. But, he added, 'it is so nascent that there isn't a standard Democratic-versus-Republican playbook for dealing with data centers yet." Tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft are counting on data centers to power their AI expansions — and the U.S. already has more of these facilities than any other country. President Donald Trump has vowed to 'win the AI race,' moving to implement a Biden-era executive order to build the facilities on federal lands and announcing a $500 billion AI and data center sprint with large tech companies known as Stargate, with a site underway in Texas. But the surge is proving polarizing, particularly in northern Virginia — considered the tip of the spear on this issue with the world's largest and fastest-growing data center market. The Energy Department is projecting data centers will require up to nearly three times as much energy by 2028, raising fears that the tech sector will turn to polluting sources like coal and natural gas in their rush for power. The data center industry is expected to contribute $9.1 billion in gross domestic product to Virginia's economy annually. In Loudoun County, Virginia, that has meant a $250 million budget surplus and a property tax cut. That's a prospect that's hard to ignore for counties with Big Tech knocking on their doors. 'We don't know where to put the money,' said Democrat Juli Briskman, who sits on the county board of supervisors. But the typical residential ratepayer in that state could experience a $14 to $37 monthly electric bill increase by 2040, according to a report from Virginia's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, in part because of the need for infrastructure upgrades whose costs could be spread to all customers. 'Enough is enough,' said Loudoun County Vice Chair Michael Turner, also a Democrat, who is largely opposing new data centers. 'The next election for supervisor will hinge on data centers,' adding that two weeks don't go by where he doesn't hear from other county officials around the country looking for advice. In Arizona, Tucson's city council just unanimously voted against a massive data center proposal from Amazon that promised jobs and millions in tax revenue but stoked fears about its water and energy consumption. In other cases, public officials of both parties are rushing to capitalize on the promises of AI — and the tax dollars it can bring in. John Chambers, a spokesperson for Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio), said in a statement he attributes the Columbus area's growth to 'tech jobs and data centers that will help America win the AI innovation race' and that he supports 'an all-of-the-above energy strategy to ensure electricity is affordable and available for families and businesses in the region.' Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who's seeking a third term as governor and is considered a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2028, is looking to lure data centers to his state so as not to miss out on the boom. And down south, De'Keither Stamps, a Democratic member of Mississippi's Public Services Commission, said data centers could bring positive economic development and the opportunity to finance needed electrical system upgrades 'if regulated prudently.' Not everyone is on board. Ben Inskeep, program director at Indiana-based Citizens Action Coalition, a consumer and environmental advocacy group, sees the issue is up for grabs and at an inflection point as grassroots opposition takes shape. 'Both our political parties have been completely captured by Big Tech and are doing the bidding of Big Tech in every way imaginable,' he said. 'This does have all the hallmarks of an issue that could create new, interesting political coalitions.' In the Virginia Legislature, efforts to put guardrails around the rapid expansion of data centers — such as assessing who's footing the energy bills for them — drew bipartisan support even as they failed. Youngkin, the Republican governor, vetoed a bipartisan bill that would have required data-center applications complete site assessments because he said he didn't want to create 'unnecessary red tape.' Still, 'It's less partisan than most issues. It's more geographic,' said Virginia state Del. Ian Lovejoy, a Republican from Prince William County who unsuccessfully pushed a bill last session to put land buffers between data centers and parks, schools and residential areas. 'So if you're in an area that is negatively affected by them, then it crosses party lines. And if you're not in an area that's really affected by them, neither party really cares that much, because broadly speaking, on the right side of the aisle you have the pro-business desire to build, and on the left side of the aisle, you have the labor movement, where unions really like these data centers because it's jobs.' Now, Lovejoy expects state Democrats to loosen fossil fuel restrictions baked into the state's Clean Economy Act in response to the energy crunch. Industry efforts to advance data centers have also been targeted at both parties. The nearly quarter of a million dollars the Data Center Coalition has poured into state legislative campaigns in Virginia have been split across the aisle. The group has spent nearly the same amount on federal lobbying and is active in states like California, where it spent $50,000 so far this year. Other players in the sector are targeting northern Virginia officials, too. 'Data centers enjoy bipartisan support across states, but we have also heard our fair share of bipartisan concerns across states,' said Dan Diorio, vice president of state policy at the Data Center Coalition, an industry group. 'We are very much an engaged stakeholder in all the states in which our members are active in to work on policies with lawmakers of both sides of the aisle to ensure that states continue to see the economic benefits of data centers while also addressing their priorities.' As data centers move up the ballot as a campaign issue, the complications for candidates in both parties are playing out in real time. Democrats who are watching their party nationally hemorrhage voters over the economy are scrambling to strike a balance between adding jobs and revenue while stopping energy costs from skyrocketing. And in some cases, Republicans whose party leaders are cracking down on renewable energy are calling for 'all of the above' approaches to energy production to keep power prices down — providing tacit backing to a sector Trump is trying to crush even as they follow the president in promoting fossil fuels. That dynamic is on clear display in Virginia's gubernatorial race, where data-center regulation has emerged as a focal point. Former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Democrats' nominee, is proposing a 'statewide strategy' for data centers that calls for boosting local and renewable energy production and charging Big Tech companies to offset rising energy costs for consumers. 'Virginia can benefit from having data centers here — but to reap those benefits, we need to make sure we are accounting and planning for the energy generation, water, and other resources needed to support them,' Spanberger said in a statement. Her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, wants to open the state to 'all kinds of energy' and to reduce red tape around power projects to help meet increasing demand. Earle-Sears' campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Rising power prices, which could spike further as more energy-demanding data centers come online, are already roiling politics across the midwest and mid-Atlantic asDemocratic governors and candidates blame grid manager PJM for consumers' higher bills and New Jersey's gubernatorial candidates clash over how to bring those costs down. The debate has the potential to spill into next year's broader slate of gubernatorial contests, with several of those governors — including Pritzker, Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro and Maryland's Wes Moore — up for reelection and Democrats eager to prove they understand voters' cost-of-living concerns. The issues surrounding data centers are bleeding into federal politics, too, though ultimately decisions around zoning and electric rates will largely remain in state and local control. Congressional Republicans had pushed a 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulations — including those around data center permitting — as part of their 'big, beautiful' domestic policy bill, though the effort fell apart in the Senate. At the same time, they voted to roll back credits for clean-energy projects from Democrats' 2022 climate law that could help offset rising energy demand. 'The federal government is going to have to take this on,' said Virginia state Sen. Russet Perry, a Democrat who has spearheaded data center regulatory efforts in her legislature. 'In the interim, the state is going to be at the forefront for dealing with it, and it's going to be bipartisan.' Shia Kapos contributed to this report.
Washington Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Texas Democrats face deadline to return or face GOP expulsion lawsuit
ST. CHARLES, Ill. — Texas Republicans plan to ramp up the pressure Friday on Democratic state lawmakers who fled to suburban Chicago and other Democratic areas this week to prevent the GOP from giving themselves five more safe congressional districts.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Are you liable if a tree falls on your neighbor's property? Here's what Florida law says
As hurricane season continues with sweltering temperatures, unpredictable storms, and strong winds unsettling trees across Florida, the risk of falling branches and uprooted trees is front of mind for many residents. Last year's double blow of hurricanes exposed a little-known reality: under Florida's current 'no-fault' tree law, if a neighbor's tree crashes onto your property and causes damage, you're often left footing the bill. Hoping to change that, state lawmakers introduced two bills this year to shift liability to the tree's owner. However, both measures — including the proposed 'Fallen Tree Act,' which aimed to hold property owners responsible for tree-related damage regardless of negligence — ultimately failed to clear the 2025 legislative session. The National Weather Service is now warning that rising ocean temperatures are fueling a greater risk for hurricanes as the season intensifies. With storms becoming more likely in the weeks ahead, and the 'Fallen Tree Act' failing to pass, it's a good time to understand what Florida's 'no-fault' tree law means and what to do when a neighbor's tree falls on your property and causes damage. What does Florida's current law say? Who is responsible for fallen trees? Florida law follows the principles of 'natural conditions' and 'reasonable care' when it comes to fallen tree liability. Unlike some states, Florida doesn't automatically hold tree owners responsible when a tree falls. Instead, liability is determined case by case, based on factors like negligence, whether the owner knew the tree was hazardous, and whether the fall was caused by a natural event like a storm. What is the 'Massachusetts Rule'? Florida currently follows the "Massachusetts Rule," which says you can cut branches and roots of your neighbor's tree if they are over your property line. But you can't do anything about vegetation on your neighbor's property that threatens yours, and if a tree or shrub falls onto your property, you have to clean it up, repair or replace whatever was crushed, and deal with the increased property insurance premiums or even cancellations. The owner of the neighboring tree or shrub is only liable if there is a showing of negligence on their part, such as if the tree or its branches were dead. Why are owners not liable for property damage? What is 'The Act of God Defense' Under Florida law, homeowners are generally not held liable for tree damage resulting from "acts of God" — such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or other severe weather events. Because these situations are considered beyond anyone's control, the tree owner isn't responsible unless there's evidence of negligence, such as ignoring a known hazard. Tips for trees: Will your trees survive a hurricane's winds? What you should know about pruning and more More tree tips: How to tell if your tree is stressed — and what you can do about it Who pays for the damage? Homeowner's insurance of the damaged property would cover the costs. In most situations, if a tree falls due to natural causes — like high winds or storms — the affected neighbor's homeowner's insurance will typically cover the damage. Coverage usually includes: Repairs to structures such as homes, garages, and fences Vehicle damage (if covered under an auto policy) Tree removal costs However, if the tree owner is found to have been negligent — for example, by ignoring a dead or dangerous tree — the neighbor's insurance company may pursue reimbursement from the tree owner's policy through a process called subrogation. When would the tree owner's insurance be responsible for covering damages? If negligence is proven, the tree owner's homeowner's insurance may cover the damage to the neighbor's property. However, if the owner is uninsured, they could be held personally responsible and may face a potential lawsuit to recover costs. Is the city of Jacksonville or Duval County involved in falling trees? If a tree falls from city or county land — or from an easement maintained by local government — the responsibility for cleanup and damage may fall on the municipality. However, filing a claim against a government agency can be complex and often involves specific legal procedures and limitations. What to do if your neighbor's tree poses a risk According to Morgan & Morgan's defense lawyers, if you notice that a neighbor's tree appears hazardous, it is best to take proactive steps: Document the condition: Take pictures of dead branches, visible rot, or leaning trees. Communicate with your neighbor: Politely inform them about your concerns. Send a certified letter: If verbal communication fails, send a written request urging them to address the issue. Consult a professional: An arborist can assess whether the tree poses a significant risk. Notify your insurance company: If the tree does fall and causes damage, your insurer will guide you on next steps. What to do if a tree falls on your property If a neighbor's tree falls on your home, vehicle, or property: Ensure safety: Avoid approaching the fallen tree if power lines are involved. Document the damage: Take clear photos from multiple angles. Contact your insurance company: File a claim if your policy covers tree-related damages. Get a professional assessment: An arborist or contractor can evaluate the extent of damage. Contact your neighbor if negligence is suspected: If they ignored a known hazard, you may seek compensation through their insurance or legal action. What was the Fallen Tree Act? Under HB 599 and SB 724, Property Owner Liability (also called the Fallen Tree Act), the liability for a tree or shrub that causes damage to a neighboring property would have moved to the person who owns it. Ownership would have been determined by where the tree or shrub is rooted into the ground. The bill also would have allowed a property owner to remove a tree or shrub if it was growing on the boundary or property line between two or more parcels of land without getting permission from the other owner(s). Under the three-page Fallen Tree Act, "A property owner on whose property a tree or shrub is located is liable for any damages to neighboring properties caused by the tree or shrub, or the branches thereof." The law would not have applied to property owners with areas greater than five acres. What happened to the Fallen Tree Act? On May 3. 2025, the two bills HB 599 and SB 724, Property Owner Liability (also called the Fallen Tree Act), were "indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration," so lawmakers could focus on the battle over the final 2025-26 state budget. Then on June 16, 2025, the bill died in the Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee of the House. Contributing: C.A Bridges, USA Today Network This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: If your neighbor's tree falls on your house who pays? What FL law says Solve the daily Crossword
Wall Street Journal
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
Texas Lawmakers Criticize Local Officials Over Deadly Hill Country Floods
Texas' lieutenant governor and state lawmakers from both parties publicly criticized Kerr County authorities, saying some were unavailable or not ready for the devastating flooding over the July Fourth weekend that left more than 135 people dead. The scrutiny came at a special hearing held in Kerrville, Texas, on Thursday, weeks after floods ravaged Kerr County, including Camp Mystic, a well-known girls camp along the Guadalupe River. Anger is building over the deaths amid questions about whether locals and visitors were adequately prepared for the catastrophe.
