Backlash over data centers hits California, and the midterms
Residents in Hanford, California, are expressing strong opposition to a proposed data center at the local fairgrounds, citing concerns about air quality and water supply. This local backlash mirrors a national trend where data center expansion has become a bipartisan political issue in midterm elections, prompting lawmakers to consider regulations. California recently passed legislation to regulate energy use by the data center industry.
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers has sparked widespread anxiety over environmental risks and rising costs, making the issue a focal point in midterm elections nationwide. In Hanford, California, residents gathered at a community meeting to oppose a possible small-scale data center proposed for the Kings County fairgrounds, expressing fears about worsening air quality and straining the water supply. Mayor Mark Kairis noted the issue has become an emotionally charged local, state, and national concern.
While demand for data centers has surged due to AI, their intensive cooling requirements can lead to high water and power consumption, potential environmental impacts, and increased utility costs for consumers. The political implications are significant, with Democrats generally advocating for regulation and Republicans, despite supporting AI innovation, facing pressure to respond to public opinion. Vice President JD Vance emphasized industrial dominance, while former President Trump dismissed opposition as backward thinking.
California lawmakers recently passed legislation to regulate the data center industry's energy use and impose other requirements. Although Hanford's zoning ordinances currently prohibit data centers, the city lacks jurisdiction over the state-owned fairgrounds. The developer, Global Stack USA, is exploring installing small-scale edge computing data centers at fairgrounds across the state to boost emergency infrastructure and provide revenue, asserting their facilities would have lower utility use and no municipal water connection. Democratic congressional candidate Randy Villegas has called for a data center moratorium to allow time for federal regulation, while Republican Rep. David Valadao acknowledged the need for a responsible approach considering local input and ratepayer protections.
An August poll by the Economist and YouGov indicated that 61% of Americans would oppose a data center in their locality, highlighting the bipartisan nature of the concern over quality of life and the influence of major tech companies. Residents in Hanford stated that the data center issue would influence their midterm votes, reflecting broader public frustration.