Data center backlash set to sway midterm elections
Opposition to data center development has expanded from local community meetings into a major issue in state and federal elections. Activists cite electricity demand, water use, pollution, noise, farmland conversion and closed-door tax incentive deals, while industry-backed groups argue that data centers create jobs and tax revenue. Texas has issued a moratorium on new data center permits, and dozens of local ballot measures nationwide will consider bans or restrictions.
Data center opposition has become a prominent political issue across the United States, with 39 ballot measures in eight states expected to address data center bans, zoning changes or voter approval requirements. Ohio has emerged as a center of the backlash, with 21 local measures planned and activists organizing against projects over electricity consumption, water use, environmental impacts, noise, land conversion and public subsidies.
The issue is drawing bipartisan support among opponents while putting pressure on candidates who previously promoted data center investment. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott imposed a moratorium on new data center permits amid political attacks, while Ohio Senate candidate Sherrod Brown has criticized Sen. Jon Husted over his support for data center tax incentives. Industry advocates and tech-backed political groups say responsible development can deliver jobs and tax revenue, but acknowledge that communities should be able to reject projects that do not address local concerns.