The proliferation of data centers across the United States represents new “loads” (i.e., sources of demand) on the electrical grid. Data centers require enormous amounts of energy to power and cool their computing systems that operate continuously or near-continuously. To meet this demand, new energy infrastructure—both generation and transmission—will need […]
Cities Climate Law Initiative
59 posts
Rapid data center development is challenging local governments’ ability to manage the environmental challenges these facilities raise. Cities, towns, and counties are facing both uncertainty about the scope of those impacts and growing opposition to data centers from residents. In response, many are turning to temporary moratoria to pause data […]
We are pleased to announce that Daniel Metzger has been promoted to Director of the Sabin Center’s Cities Climate Law Initiative. In this role, Daniel will continue to research legal tools that cities and other local governments can use to advance climate mitigation and adaptation. In addition to his academic […]
The number of court decisions upholding building decarbonization laws against federal preemption challenges is growing. After the Ninth Circuit’s decision in California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley (Berkeley), building decarbonization laws effectively prohibiting fossil-fuel appliances covered by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) appeared to be […]
Zoning regulations have lately come under fire for making cities less dense and driving up the cost of new homes. State legislatures are increasingly responding by preempting aspects of local zoning authority. But despite its real problems, both now and historically, local zoning power remains an important tool among cities’ […]
On December 5, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a proposed rule to weaken its Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards for Model Years 2022 to 2031 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks, referred to as the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Rule III or SAFE Rule III. The […]
Local governments are leaders in the fight against climate change: they reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy resources, and otherwise advance climate mitigation and adaptation goals. But even as many local governments have already demonstrated their capability to tackle the climate crisis, state governments can hinder those efforts […]
Last week, the Sabin Center filed an amicus brief on behalf of the National League of Cities (NLC) and the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) in the case Association of Contracting Plumbers of the City of New York v. City of New York, No. 25-977 (2d Cir. Apr. 21, […]