Chronopin: upcoming release dates, events and other important dates

Georgia SB34 would have prohibited data center fuel generation and transmission costs from being included in residential electricity rates, requiring commercial data centers to cover all increased fuel, power, and transmission system upgrade costs. The bill emerged after the Public Service Commission authorized Georgia Power to expand production by nearly 10 GW — mostly for data centers — including new methane-burning facilities. The Senate avoided a final vote after a last-minute alternative measure based on House Bill 1063 appeared to have the votes to pass.

Washington State SB 6231 repeals the retail sales and use tax exemption for refurbishment of existing computer data centers. The law makes purchases of replacement server equipment ineligible for exemption. It preserves tax benefits for new data centers in rural counties where the economic incentive is more needed. The repeal is part of a broader push to rein in data center tax breaks.

Virginia HB 897 requires data centers to use emission-free (non-diesel) backup generators and demonstrate commitment to clean energy to qualify for sales and use tax exemptions. The bill passed the House 61-34 and passed the full Senate, making Virginia one of the first states to condition data center tax incentives on environmental performance. Governor Spanberger signed HB 897 into law on April 9, 2026, alongside HB 284/SB 371 (voluntary demand flexibility programs for high-load customers using 25+ MW) and bills to aid low-income utility customers affected by data center energy demand.