Election Day voters in 13 states to decide the fate of data centers in their backyards
Voters in 13 states are set to decide 41 ballot measures concerning data center development, including proposals involving bans, zoning rules, voter approval and temporary moratoriums. Ohio has the largest concentration of measures, amid opposition over electricity costs, environmental effects, water use and neighborhood impacts.
Voters in 13 states will consider 41 data center-related measures in November, according to Ballotpedia. The proposals address whether facilities may be built, expanded or operated, and include zoning changes, requirements for voter approval, restrictions and temporary moratoriums. Ohio has 21 measures across 18 jurisdictions and has become a central battleground over the rapid growth of AI-related infrastructure.
The article describes growing bipartisan resistance driven by rising electricity costs, environmental concerns, water consumption and effects on local quality of life. President Trump has defended data center expansion, while Ohio Senate candidates Sherrod Brown and Jon Husted have clashed over the issue; Husted has supported data center growth and proposed requiring facilities to pay for power-grid upgrades. Measures are also pending in local jurisdictions across several other states, including proposals to prohibit facilities or require additional review before construction.