Putnam United
Resources
Legislation, research, and reporting on data-center impacts, water, energy demand, and community costs.
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Legislation
House Bill 2014.
Review the official history and enrolled bill text for West Virginia’s Certified Microgrid Program directly from the West Virginia Legislature.
HB 2014 — Certified Microgrid Program
Use the official legislative record for the bill’s status, actions, votes, and enacted text.
Research and reporting
Data centers, heat, and accountability.
Reporting hub
Brockovich AI Data Center Reporting
Explore a national awareness and issue map.
CNN
Scientists have found an alarming environmental impact of vast data centers
Laura Paddison · Updated March 30, 2026 · 3 min read
New research examines how heat released by large AI data centers may raise nearby surface temperatures and affect communities miles beyond the facility.
CNN
Energy Dept. directs data centers to use backup generators during heat wave, freeing up power for AC
Ella Nilsen · July 2, 2026 · 2 min read
The Energy Department asked large PJM customers, including data centers, to use backup generation during extreme heat, easing grid demand while raising air-pollution concerns.
Water and environmental impact
What large facilities can demand from a community.
Wall Street Journal
AI data centers use far more water than most tech giants report
Examines reported water demand and disclosure gaps associated with the rapid expansion of AI data centers.
Rolling Stone
How Oregon’s data center boom is supercharging a water crisis
Looks at water use, pollution concerns, and community impacts amid Oregon’s rapid data-center expansion.
E&E News by POLITICO
Data center boom sparks sticker shock for PJM ratepayers
Explores how projected data-center electricity demand is affecting costs across the PJM power market.
Energy demand and cost
The scale of the power buildout.
Utility Dive
AEP expects electric sales to jump 8.6% annually over three years
Reviews AEP’s projected electricity-sales growth and the role of data-center demand in its outlook.
PR Newswire / AEP
Accelerating demand drives a five-year capital plan to $78 billion
AEP’s first-quarter update outlining an expanded five-year capital plan amid accelerating electricity demand.
External reporting may be updated, moved, or placed behind a publisher subscription.
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