North Dakota Lawmakers Study Data Center Growth and Regulation

A North Dakota legislative committee held its first meeting on July 15, 2026, to examine the expansion of artificial intelligence and data center infrastructure. The session drew more than 70 citizens who expressed concerns regarding increased electricity demand and potential threats to wildlife, crops, and public health. Representative Bill Tveit proposed a nine-month moratorium on new data centers to allow the full Legislature to address these issues, citing a similar statewide move in New York.

To assist local governments, a coalition including TechND, the League of Cities, and the Association of Counties developed a model ordinance for evaluating electricity, water, and environmental impacts. However, some residents at the meeting criticized this framework, arguing that regulations should be drafted by citizens rather than business and government groups. Committee Chair Jonathan Warrey responded to the public outcry by announcing that the committee would accept written testimony.

The Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce defended the industry, emphasizing its contributions to employment and tax revenue. These developments mirror regional pressures in Northern Nevada, where officials are soliciting public input for a 2026-30 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy to address power grid and road infrastructure gaps caused by potential data center expansions.