Data Center Debate on the Ballot in 13 States
Data center development has become a bipartisan issue in 13 states, where voters will consider related questions during the midterm elections. Polling cited by Bloomberg found that 50% of voters oppose a data center being built within three miles of their homes, while some communities are seeking to block new construction despite federal support for the industry.
Data center expansion, driven in part by artificial-intelligence demand, has emerged as a major issue in midterm elections across 13 states. Bloomberg correspondent Tyler Kendall reported that opposition cuts across party lines, with polling showing half of voters do not want a data center within three miles of their homes. The issue is especially prominent in competitive races, including the open U.S. Senate contest in Texas, which recently surpassed Virginia as the leading state for data center growth.
The White House supports continued construction, citing competition, job creation and tax revenue, and the president has suggested that developers offer financial incentives to communities. Nevertheless, some localities say they intend to block new facilities. Congress has introduced proposals including a data center excise tax and limits on business tax credits, but lawmakers do not expect those measures to pass during the current session; the next Congress is expected to revisit them.