Committee advances bill to streamline local approvals for data-center backup generation amid debate over air, water and tax impacts

The Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee on March 5 advanced House File 28, a bill that would let local governments move forward with development covered by an alternative urban area‑wide review (AUAR) even while some state agency reviews continue, and would narrow state review of large emergency backup generation proposed at data‑center sites.

The committee adopted an A4 amendment, described by Catherine Neuschler, executive director of the Environmental Quality Board, as clarification “that the projects that are covered under an AUAR, and they're reviewed when that review is complete. That review is complete. And then the governmental permits and approvals can move ahead for those projects that are covered.” The amendment passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: supporters say the bill gives towns and cities certainty when a local AUAR has already examined cumulative impacts, allowing construction and permitting for covered residential, commercial, warehousing and light industrial uses to proceed without repeating previous reviews. Opponents say the measure would short‑circuit state oversight of large combustion backup systems, increase pollution risks, and lock in fossil‑fuel solutions…