Voters in 29 US Localities Back Data Center Bans, Curbs Over Power and Water Strain

Voters across the US used ballot measures to push back against new data center construction, highlighting growing resistance over higher electricity bills and the burden on power and water resources. The outcome stands to create new constraints on infrastructure expansion by AI companies.

The Washington Post reported on November 4 that voters in at least 29 US localities backed measures to ban or restrict data center development in this election. Election-tracking platform Ballotpedia counted 41 data center-related measures on ballots across 10 states.

In Ohio, all 10 ordinances backed by civic group Conserve Ohio passed. In Hubbard, more than three-quarters of voters supported a data center ban, while support for regulatory measures reached 78% to 82% in Granville, Trenton and Sunbury. In Joliet Township, Illinois, about 80% voted against an advisory measure asking whether they supported data centers.

Residents' concerns center on the cost-of-living and environmental burden tied to large-scale facilities. The electricity required to run servers for AI training and operations has intensified disputes over power bills and strain on the grid. Water use for cooling, noise and transparency in the permitting process have also emerged as key issues.

Candidates who pledged to put the brakes on new construction also won office. In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa, who campaigned on a moratorium on new projects, defeated incumbent Republican Greg Abbott. Ohio Governor-elect Amy Acton also supports a pause in data center development and tighter regulation.

The industry has responded by stepping up lobbying and other efforts. BlackRock Chief Executive Officer Larry Fink said last month that a nationwide moratorium on data center construction in the US could lead to a recession.