The draft ordinance proposes financial incentives for developers and homeowners, introducing a point-based system that awards reductions in building permit fees for incorporating environmentally friendly design features such as passive solar design, natural ventilation, and sustainable materials.

The settlement has drawn opposition from the state Office of Public Counsel—which by law represents consumers—as well as several consumer advocacy groups.

Data centers have become the physical backbone of the AI revolution—but their growth comes with complex trade-offs. As they reshape landscapes, communities, and natural resources, the question isn’t just how big this boom will get—but what it will cost.

Don’t blame AI or Trump. In a healthy energy market, rising demand would be met by new investment in reliable, affordable power. But instead, U.S. generation capacity is being throttled by artificial constraints.