The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Town of Charlestown
Strongly Anti-Data Center Policies
Charlestown prohibits data centers throughout town, preventing new facilities and expansions. IT systems incidental to another permitted use are excluded.
current law · Town of CharlestownThis ordinance prohibits data centers within the Town of Charlestown, together with specified battery energy storage systems.Charlestown, Rhode Island — Ordinance Prohibiting Data Centers and Battery Energy Storage Systems
What this means
The ordinance makes data centers a prohibited use throughout Charlestown, so new facilities and expansions qualifying as data centers cannot be built or operated there (“Data Center” is listed as a prohibited use). It excludes IT systems incidental to another permitted use, but that exception does not offset the town-wide ban.
People behind it
- Bonnie Van Slyke
Prime sponsor of the ordinance and sponsor of the agenda item proposing the bans on Battery Energy Storage Systems and data centers.
- Deborah Carney
Introduced the battery energy storage ban ordinance.
- Town Council
Ordained and unanimously adopted the measure prohibiting Battery Energy Storage Systems and data centers.
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- Town Clerk
Authorized to incorporate the ordinance’s changes into the Town of Charlestown Code of Ordinances.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Data centers are expressly prohibited throughout the Town of Charlestown under § 218-38(B)(42), and the ordinance takes effect immediately upon passage. The prohibition does not apply to server rooms or information-technology infrastructure that is customarily incidental and subordinate to another permitted principal use.
Sources
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