Data center backlash set to sway midterm elections
Data center opposition has become a major political issue, with candidates and voters challenging projects over electricity demand, water use, pollution, noise, farmland conversion and tax incentives. Ohio is a central battleground, with 21 local ballot measures involving data center bans or zoning changes, while Texas has issued a moratorium on new data center permits.
Backlash against data centers has spread from local planning meetings to state and federal election campaigns. Voters in 39 measures across eight states are expected to consider data center bans, zoning changes or voter-approval requirements, while candidates from both parties have distanced themselves from earlier support for the industry. Ohio has emerged as a political focal point, including opposition to a large proposed project in Brown County and ballot initiatives in communities such as Grove City.
Opponents cite electricity and water consumption, pollution, noise, farmland conversion, behind-the-meter gas generation and closed-door negotiations over tax incentives. Industry supporters, including the tech-backed Leading the Future Super PAC, argue that data centers bring jobs, tax revenue and economic competitiveness if properly regulated. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a moratorium on new data center permits, and Ohio Senate Democrats recently blocked a bill that would have required data centers to help cover electrical infrastructure costs.