Voters Reject Data Centers Across U.S. States
Across the U.S., voters overwhelmingly rejected new data center projects and supported stricter regulations.
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On Tuesday, voters across the United States delivered a clear message to data center developers, rejecting new projects and supporting stricter regulations. Of the 41 ballot initiatives tracked by Ballotpedia, only one small town voted in favor of pro-data center measures. Voters overwhelmingly approved moratoriums on new data centers, rejected proposals to support new projects, and backed increased oversight.
Political Divide on Data Center Policies
The issue of data centers became highly contentious for congressional candidates, with both Democrats and Republicans broadly distancing themselves from data center development. This contrasts with President Donald Trump’s pro-data center stance, who argued they are essential to compete with China. In a Truth Social post, the president called data centers ‘GREAT FOR THE U.S.A.’
Results Across Key States
Votes on data centers were conducted in California, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Florida, and Wisconsin. With all but one exception, the anti-data center position won with a large majority. Cities like Alhambra, California, and Edgewater, Florida, voted to prohibit data centers within city limits. Numerous small cities in Ohio also took similar measures. In Maine and Illinois, localities established moratoriums on new data center approvals, while other towns voted to increase oversight of project approvals.
Support for Data Centers
The only victory for data centers came in Harwood, North Dakota, a town of about 850 people. A measure requiring additional review before approving industrial development, including ‘data-processing facilities,’ failed with 325 votes against and 105 in support.
Impact on Rural Expansion
Currently, most data centers are in urban areas, but much of the planned expansion is set to take place in rural areas throughout the South and Midwest, according to the Pew Research Center. Concerns about data centers driving up utility costs have led to increased opposition.
Political Implications
Many Democratic candidates included anti-data center planks in their platforms, while some Republicans followed suit. Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers proposed a data center moratorium, Ohio Senator Jon Husted attempted to pass a bill targeting utility increases related to data centers, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott paused data center approval. All three lost to Democrats on Tuesday.
Source: Daily Wire
