Tennessee data center and energy laws

What it would do: Requires local legislative bodies to approve the location of any quarry or digital asset mining facility in a public meeting with at least 21 days' notice published in newspapers, on websites, posted at three locations, and mailed to residents within 500 yards.

What it would do: Amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 67-6-206(d) to allow qualified data centers applying for job tax credits to submit their certification electronically that they have not violated the WARN Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, or federal immigration laws within the previous 12 months.

What it would do: Creates the Tennessee Data Center Impact Review Act requiring data centers with over 20 megawatts power capacity to obtain permits from the water and wastewater operator board beginning January 1, 2027, based on water usage, environmental impact, and wastewater assessments.

What it would do: Requires data centers with more than 20 MW power capacity to register with the Department of Revenue beginning January 1, 2027, and mandates fuel suppliers and electric and water utilities serving registered data centers report usage to the department monthly.

What it would do: Creates the Bring Your Own Generation Act requiring data centers with peak demand of 100 MW or more to derive 50% of electricity from new carbon-free onsite sources and imposing a clean energy transition surcharge equal to 100% of proportional grid upgrade costs, while prohibiting fossil fuel PPAs from qualifying for state economic development incentives.

What it would do: Requires applicants and electric utilities to submit site assessments to localities before approving rezoning, special exceptions, or special use permits for new high energy use facilities requiring 100 MW or more of electrical power.

What it would do: Requires data centers with over 20 MW power capacity to register with the Tennessee Public Utilities Commission beginning January 1, 2027, and mandates electric and water utilities serving registered data centers report usage and rates to the commission, which must publish monthly reports of this data.

What it would do: Requires high performance computing facility operators using over 50 MW monthly to devote at least 50 percent of computing output to public benefit, submit annual energy and carbon footprint reports, conduct annual compliance audits, and face license suspension for noncompliance.

What it would do: Establishes a voluntary clean transition tariff allowing large energy-intensive users (25+ MW peak demand or data centers/AI facilities) to procure new clean power while bearing all incremental generation and grid costs, protecting residential and small business customers from rate increases.

What it would do: Prohibits electric utilities and high performance computing facilities in Tennessee from using transformers, parts, or equipment manufactured or sold by entities owned or controlled by foreign adversaries, and requires annual reporting to the comptroller of the treasury with compliance audits.