Data Center Expansion Faces Political Resistance in the United States

The expansion of data centers for artificial intelligence has encountered significant barriers during the midterm elections. In ten states, 41 local measures attempted to restrict the construction of these facilities. Voters rejected the advancement of these projects in almost every ballot, with the exception of one city in North Dakota.

Ohio has become a primary stage for this dispute. With 21 measures on the ballot, the local population demonstrated strong resistance to the growth of tech infrastructure. The election of Amy Acton to the state government brings additional uncertainty, as she advocates for a conditional moratorium on new data centers.

In Texas, which previously concentrated massive investments from tech companies, the shifting political landscape threatens multi-billion dollar projects. Democratic candidates elected to strategic positions made opposition to data centers a central theme of their campaigns. Governor Greg Abbott had already suspended the issuance of new permits back in September.

Opinion polls reveal that the majority of voters perceive risks in artificial intelligence and oppose the installation of data centers near their homes. Social advocacy groups highlight concerns regarding energy consumption and the environmental impact of the gas turbines that power supercomputers. The tech sector now faces a more hostile and unpredictable regulatory environment.