Data center dilemma: Why money isn’t winning over communities

What this episode covers

At least 37 states offer some sort of financial incentives to businesses building data centers. The incentives aren’t just a drop in the bucket either. In Virginia, for instance, the state has notched up about $1.6 billion in data center tax breaks.  Public opposition is on the rise, however, and some states such as Virginia and Ohio are reconsidering whether to keep offering the financial breaks.  Stateline’s Madyson Fitzgerald breaks down the change in tune. In Episode 21, you’ll also meet Max Moran, a sixth-generation farmer from Mason County, Kentucky. The area has been known for its tobacco market, but now it’s making headlines for its fight against a proposed hyperscale data center. Moran, who also is a city commissioner of Germantown, Kentucky, helps lead “We Are Mason County,” a group pushing back against the proposed project.  Finally, Evening Wrap newsletter author Danielle Gaines shares the top stories she’s watching. Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States composed by David Singer. Click here for the full transcript:  Relevant reading from States Newsroom outlets and partners:  Temporarily banning data centers draws more interest from state, local officials (Stateline) Should data centers pay up front or build their own power plants? (Penn Capital-Star) Lawmakers in driest state weigh excessive water and energy needs of data centers they court (Nevada Current) That 1% incentive to encourage data center approvals? Final deal watered it down (Indiana Capital Chronicle) Data center restrictions signed into South Dakota law after push for incentives failed (South Dakota Searchlight) Got questions? An episode idea? Email us at [email protected] Photo: Attendees gather at a Maysville-Mason County Joint Planning Commission on September 3, 2025, including members of “We Are Mason County” who expressed their concerns about a data center project. (Photo courtesy of Max Moran)