OMM Newsroom
Voters across the United States backed restrictions on data center development in Tuesday’s midterm elections, amid growing resistance to large artificial intelligence infrastructure projects. Concerns include electricity costs, water consumption and environmental effects, Anadolu Agency reported.
According to Ballotpedia, 41 local measures related to data centers appeared on ballots in 10 states: California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio and Wisconsin. Of those measures, 28 proposed restrictions on development and 13 sought to facilitate or support new projects.
The proposals ranged from outright bans and temporary construction moratoriums to requirements for voter approval, additional financial safeguards and zoning changes. Some targeted facilities with electricity demand exceeding 25 megawatts; others sought to suspend development or permitting for up to six months.
Voters approve local restrictions
In Alhambra, California, about 82% of voters supported a measure prohibiting data center construction throughout the city. In Edgewater, Florida, 77% backed a ban on the approval, construction, expansion and operation of new facilities.
Nearly 78% of voters in Bloomington, Illinois, approved a nonbinding proposal recommending a temporary moratorium on large-scale projects.
Ohio had the highest concentration of data center-related ballot measures, with 21 proposals. Several municipalities considered restrictions on facilities consuming more than 25 megawatts of electricity.
Opposition has been driven by concerns about the facilities’ substantial power and water requirements, possible increases in utility bills, pressure on local electricity grids and noise pollution.
At least 45 data center projects worth a combined $68 billion were blocked or delayed in the second quarter of 2026 because of local opposition, according to “Data Center Watch.”
Data center opposition features in governor races
The issue also featured prominently in gubernatorial contests in states with major technology infrastructure investments.
In Texas, which has 561 data centers either operating, planned or under construction, Democratic state Representative Gina Hinojosa defeated three-term Republican Governor Greg Abbott.
Hinojosa campaigned for a statewide moratorium on new projects until stronger regulations are introduced and local communities have greater involvement in decisions affecting them.
In Georgia, home to 232 facilities, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms won the governor’s race after campaigning for a halt to new data center construction.
The victories came as Democrats also secured control of both chambers of Congress, according to projections by US media.
The shift in political power has raised questions about the future of federal oversight of the rapidly expanding industry, including potential regulatory scrutiny of major technology companies.
