Data Center Backlash Could Influence Midterm Elections
Growing bipartisan opposition to data center construction is emerging nationwide due to concerns over electricity prices, water usage, and environmental impact. In Maine, Governor Janet Mills vetoed a bill proposing a statewide data center moratorium, despite legislative efforts and public concerns. This increasing public outcry against data centers is gaining traction as a potential issue in upcoming midterm elections.
Public opposition to data center development is intensifying across the United States, becoming a bipartisan issue with potential implications for upcoming midterm elections. Nearly half of Americans view artificial intelligence negatively, and seven out of ten do not want a data center built in their area, largely due to concerns over rising electricity prices, high water consumption, environmental pollution, and perceived lack of local economic benefit. Communities from states like North Carolina to Oregon are actively pushing back against new projects.
A significant instance of this pushback occurred in Maine, where Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat, recently vetoed a bill that would have imposed the state's first statewide data center moratorium. Governor Mills stated her decision was aimed at not hindering a data center development in the town of Jay. However, State Representative Melanie Sachs (D-Freeport), who introduced the bill, expressed frustration, citing concerns from constituents regarding energy use, environmental impact, and the limited job creation associated with data centers. Sachs believes the state needs time to assess these impacts before allowing widespread construction.
Experts like Megan Mullin from the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation and Ben Green from the University of Michigan note the surprising intensity and bipartisan nature of the opposition. Mullin suggests it stems from Americans' deep connection to their local communities, while Green points to various reasons for discontent, including environmental concerns, lack of local input, and affordability issues related to electricity. Both indicate that the perception of data centers primarily benefiting wealthy tech companies, rather than local residents, fuels this sentiment.
The article suggests that candidates in states like Virginia and Wisconsin are already addressing the data center debate, indicating its growing influence. This backlash could become a "defining issue" in certain regions, with voters using a candidate's stance on data centers as a "barometer" for their commitment to representing local interests against powerful industry lobbies.