Data centers benefit better-off cities and towns more than rural areas
Public opposition to data centers is growing across the U.S., driven by concerns over grid capacity and water use, leading to political actions like zoning disputes and moratoriums. As an example, Maine lawmakers passed a statewide moratorium bill which Governor Janet Mills ultimately vetoed due to concerns about a $550 million data center conversion project in Jay.
A strong backlash against data center development continues across the United States, marked by over 1,200 public actions since early 2024, including zoning disputes, public campaigns, and temporary moratoriums. The Data Center Tracker, a U.S. database monitoring community responses, frequently notes concerns about grid capacity, water consumption, and transparency in site selection processes. Despite academic data suggesting economic benefits for stronger economies, the momentum of opposition has translated into significant political action.
One notable instance occurred in Maine, where state lawmakers passed a bill in the spring of 2026 that would have established the nation's first statewide moratorium on new data centers. However, Governor Janet Mills subsequently vetoed the legislation. Her decision was based on the potential negative impact the moratorium would have on a planned $550 million conversion of the former Androscoggin Mill in Jay into a data center, highlighting the tension between community concerns and economic development.