Democrats are increasingly embracing proposals to tax AI and scale back tax incentives for data centers as they seek to address voter concerns about electricity costs, water use, job displacement and the broader economic impacts of emerging technologies. While the
Some Developers Pull Projects From Texas as State Agency Pauses Permits on Data Centers
By Bracewell
Texas’ decision to halt permitting for new data center projects pending an Electric Reliability Council of Texas audit is creating significant uncertainty for developers, lenders and investors. The pause, which could extend through mid-December, has raised concerns about project timelines,…
Data Centre Boom Emerges as Wedge Issue in Texas Midterms
By Bracewell
Data center development has become a flashpoint in Texas as state officials respond to growing concerns about grid reliability, electricity costs and the pace of infrastructure growth. Recent actions by Governor Greg Abbott, including audits and permit pauses, have introduced…
The Former Fracking Executive Selling Trump’s ‘Energy Dominance’ Vision
By Bracewell
Under Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s leadership, the Department of Energy has redirected its focus toward expanding domestic energy production and ensuring sufficient power supplies to support growing electricity demand from AI, manufacturing and other sectors. The administration’s approach emphasizes reliability,…
Volts: How Energy Politics Work Inside DC
By Bracewell
Frank Maisano, a senior principal in Bracewell’s Policy Resolution Group, recently joined the “Volts” podcast to discuss how politics shapes the energy sector. Maisano and host David Roberts discussed the importance of ensuring that industry viewpoints are represented in energy…
The Julie Mason Show: Frank Maisano on Increasing Gas Prices and Data Centers Entering Politics
By Bracewell
Frank Maisano, a senior principal in Bracewell’s Policy Resolution Group, recently joined “The Julie Mason Show” on SiriusXM to discuss the latest news in the energy sector. Maisano discussed the implications of rising gasoline and diesel prices on the midterm elections,…
Trump’s Climate Rollbacks Will Keep Emissions Higher for Longer
By Bracewell
The Environmental Protection Agency has repealed carbon emissions standards for power plants, eliminating requirements that certain facilities deploy carbon capture and sequestration technology. The move represents one of the most significant climate-related regulatory reversals of the Trump administration and…
Why Blue States Will Struggle to Supplant the Feds on Climate
By Bracewell
As states explore ways to advance climate policies amid federal regulatory rollbacks, courts are increasingly being asked to weigh the relationship between state authority and federal environmental law. The outcome of those disputes could vary depending on the specific regulatory…
From Fracking to Data Centers: Hearing From People on Both Sides of the Opposition
By Bracewell
As opposition to data center development grows in communities across the country, developers are facing increased pressure to engage with residents and address concerns about infrastructure, energy use and local impacts. Industry participants say successful projects increasingly depend on early…
SEC’s Office of Municipal Securities Looks to Add Financial Analyst to Staff
By Bracewell
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Office of Municipal Securities (OMS) is seeking to expand its expertise with a financial analyst role, signaling a potentially greater focus on data-driven analysis of municipal market practices. The move comes as SEC…