Data center backlash erupts as AI boom collides with midterm elections

Data centers powering everything from Google searches and streaming services to artificial intelligence are rapidly becoming a major issue on the campaign trail, as voter opposition to the massive facilities surges ahead of November’s midterm elections. For years, Democratic and Republican leaders alike courted data centers, touting billions of dollars in investment, construction jobs and tax revenue. But the rapid AI buildout has brought growing concerns about electricity costs, water consumption, land use, noise and tax incentives. A new Heatmap Pro poll illustrates how dramatically public sentiment has shifted. Seventy-five percent of Americans now say they would oppose a data center being built near where they live, up from 42% a year ago. Politicians in both parties are responding — and in some cases changing positions they previously held. In Pennsylvania, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro announced two major data center projects last year. On Tuesday, Shapiro signed an executive order imposing new restrictions and requirements on data center development, saying he has heard residents’ concerns. His Republican opponent, Stacy Garrity, is attacking Shapiro over his previous support for the industry. A similar fight is unfolding in Wisconsin, where Republican gubernatorial nominee Tom Tiffany, who previously spoke favorably about data center development, is now spending seven figures on advertising branding Democratic opponent David Crowley as “Data Center David Crowley.” Crowley has responded by emphasizing local control, saying communities that do not want data centers should not be forced to accept them. The issue is also playing prominently in Ohio’s Senate race. Former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is seeking to return to the Senate, is attacking Republican Sen. Jon Husted over his role in bringing data centers to Ohio. Other candidates are campaigning on proposals intended to address the backlash without stopping development altogether. Florida Republican gubernatorial nominee Rep. Byron Donalds supports continued data center construction but says facilities should provide their own electricity and water and should not be built near residential communities. READ MORE: https://13wham.com/news/nation-world/from-political-prize-to-campaign-liability-data-centers-become-a-midterm-battleground-campaign-trail _______________ Stay up to date with our social media: 13 WHAM on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/13WHAM 13 WHAM on Twitter: https://twitter.com/13WHAM 13WHAM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/13whamtv/?hl=en 13WHAM on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@13wham?lang=en 13 WHAM Daily Local News Digest: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuTJB6tta5ar3Fu5CumAvlvVunEP6bc9A For more information, visit https://13wham.com/ Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: news@13wham.com Call the Newsroom: (585) 334-8700 WHAM is a NY based station and a ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Deerfield Media, Inc and receives certain services from an affiliation of Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. #13WHAM #News #Rochester #NewYork