States Make Data Centers Pay as AI Capacity Keeps Scaling — June 11, 2026

Texas ERCOT and Ohio lawmakers are pushing data centers toward paying more of their grid, tax, water and local-cost burden, while Meta’s 168 MW Reliance deal shows AI capacity demand still scaling globally. In this episode: Top stories: 1. Ohio lawmakers introduce sweeping new data center legislation - Route Fifty — Route Fifty https://www.route-fifty.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/06/ohio-lawmakers-introduce-sweeping-new-data-center-legislation/414089/ 2. Abbott wants data centers fully funding electric needs — KXAN https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/governor-abbott-directs-public-utility-commission-to-require-data-centers-to-fully-fund-electric-needs/ 3. Meta taps RIL for AI data centre capacity - The Times of India — The Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/meta-taps-ril-for-ai-data-centre-capacity/articleshow/131647108.cms 4. Brattle Experts Examine the Potential Impacts of Large Loads on Transmission Investment Needs and Electricity Prices in Iowa and Wisconsin - Brattle — Brattle https://www.brattle.com/insights-events/publications/brattle-experts-examine-the-potential-impacts-of-large-loads-on-transmission-investment-needs-and-electricity-prices-in-iowa-and-wisconsin/ 5. DEQ meeting about data center discharge water into Lake Anna tributaries turns contentious — WHSV https://www.whsv.com/2026/06/10/deq-meeting-about-data-center-discharge-water-into-lake-anna-tributaries-turns-contentious/ Follow and rate The Data Center Daily on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Feedback? Email [email protected]