Data centers, AI increasingly become issue for elections
The development of data centers and AI is a growing issue in US elections, with voters concerned about electricity costs and water usage. Sacramento's Mayor is proposing a policy to address these impacts, while the California Governor has issued an executive order on AI safety. Existing moratoriums on data center expansion in California are partly driven by increased power demand from AI.
The development of data centers and artificial intelligence is emerging as a significant issue in US elections, drawing considerable attention from voters, particularly in states like California. Wannie Park, CEO of Malibu-based Pado AI, noted that data centers and AI are easily "vilified" during election cycles, with public concerns focusing on increased electricity costs, safety, and water usage, citing examples from Pennsylvania and Tennessee. A September 2025 survey by Heatmap Pro showed a nearly even split in public opinion regarding local data center construction, with reasons for support including renewable energy expansion and tax revenue, often met with skepticism.
Park also discussed California's electrical grid, suggesting it has unused capacity, but cautioned that the repurposing of data centers for power-intensive AI applications, which rely heavily on Nvidia's EDUs, demands more consistent and substantial power, contributing to existing moratoriums on data center expansion in the state. He emphasized that developers are expected to bear infrastructure costs to protect residential ratepayers.
In response to these growing concerns, California cities are taking action. Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty announced plans to introduce a policy for the state capital, aiming to address data centers' potential impacts on energy, water, infrastructure, and neighborhoods, and to establish necessary "guardrails" for residents. Additionally, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently issued an executive order requiring AI developers to implement a "kill switch" for advanced AI models, conduct periodic audits, and report incidents of lost control, underscoring the state's urgent focus on responsible AI oversight.