WASHINGTON, Nov 2 – The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centres is facing growing opposition across the United States, with voters preparing to decide on restrictions for new developments in several states.
The issue has become a concern for communities as technology companies race to build facilities that power AI applications.
According to Reuters, voters in 10 states will consider measures to delay, restrict or introduce new requirements for data centre projects during the November 3 midterm elections.
Ohio Sees Strongest Opposition
Ohio has emerged as a major centre of opposition.
More than a dozen local jurisdictions in the state will consider 21 proposals related to data centre development.
Across the country, voters in 38 local jurisdictions will decide on at least 41 measures.
Some proposals seek to stop certain developments. Others aim to introduce stricter rules before construction can begin.
The opposition includes both Democratic and Republican voters.
Local campaigners say their concerns centre on the impact of large data centres on nearby communities.
Residents Raise Electricity and Water Concerns
Data centres require large amounts of electricity to operate servers and cooling systems.
Some facilities also use significant amounts of water to manage heat.
Residents fear that growing demand could put pressure on local resources and increase electricity costs.
Others have raised concerns about possible health effects from facilities built near residential areas.
Jessica Baker, a local organiser with Conserve Ohio, said these concerns had brought people from different political backgrounds together.
She said residents shared similar concerns about the impact of data centres on their communities.
Amazon Project Faces Possible Setback
The proposed restrictions could affect major technology investments.
In Sunbury, near Columbus, voters will consider a measure that would prohibit data centres using more than 25 megawatts of power.
The proposal could affect Amazon’s planned US$2 billion data centre development in the area.
Amazon’s public policy lead, Shannon Kellogg, appeared on local television in October to address questions about the project.
The company said it was working with local residents and officials.
An Amazon spokesperson said its data centres could create jobs, generate tax revenue and support technologies used by customers.
However, the company did not say whether the ballot measures would change its expansion plans.
Data Centre Construction Continues to Grow
Despite the public opposition, the industry’s expansion remains strong.
Data centre capacity under construction in the United States increased by 48 per cent between December 2025 and June 2026, according to Cushman & Wakefield.
Industry analysts say developers may move projects to other locations if local restrictions delay construction.
Baron Fung of Dell’Oro Group said developers could shift planned capacity to alternative sites rather than cancel projects entirely.
However, the industry already faces challenges, including long waiting periods for electricity grid connections and rising construction costs.
AI Growth Brings New Challenges for Communities
The debate highlights the growing tension between technology development and local community concerns.
AI companies need more computing facilities to support the rising use of artificial intelligence.
At the same time, residents want greater protection for local resources, public health and household costs.
The outcome of the ballot measures could influence where companies build future data centres and how local authorities regulate these projects.
Source : AWANI | Rewritten By Minutesmy
