Voters Across the U.S. Approve Data Center Moratoriums and Block Proposed Projects
Voters across the United States approved dozens of measures to ban or pause data center construction, including a Sunbury, Ohio, moratorium that blocks data centers larger than 25 megawatts and halted Amazon’s proposed $2 billion facility. Residents cited concerns about electricity demand, water use, noise, environmental impacts and community control.
Communities across the country voted overwhelmingly for restrictions on large data centers, with 43 of 44 ballot initiatives seeking to ban or pause data center construction passing. In Sunbury, Ohio, more than 78% of voters supported a moratorium on facilities exceeding 25 megawatts, blocking Amazon’s planned $2 billion data center and associated long-term tax incentives. Similar measures passed in Granville, Hubbard and Urbana, Ohio, while voters in several Maine communities approved temporary or indefinite restrictions.
The article frames the results as a broad backlash against the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Residents and advocates cited potential electricity costs, water consumption, environmental damage, noise and neighborhood disruption. In Upper Sandusky, Ohio, opposition helped prompt Smartland Energy to withdraw its zoning request for a proposed $900 million facility. The victories also coincided with successful campaigns by candidates who supported statewide data center moratoriums or temporary pauses, although the article relies heavily on statements from Food and Water Action and other opponents of the industry.