Data Center Backlash Emerges as Key Issue in US Midterm Elections

A growing wave of public opposition to the rapid expansion of data centers is reshaping political priorities across the United States, prompting politicians at all levels to address constituent concerns and potentially influencing the upcoming midterm elections.

Data centers, the large facilities housing the servers and infrastructure essential for internet activity and the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, have become a focal point of public backlash. Residents are expressing concerns about their size, environmental impact, noise, and the speed at which they are approved.

This shift in public sentiment has caught the attention of lawmakers. A senior policy adviser to a Democratic senator noted that what was once a low-priority issue now demands regular meetings and legislative attention. "This isn't just an issue on the left, there is huge pushback among conservatives to data centers," said Chloe Autio, an AI policy adviser. "Whoever articulates a clear position and sticks to it, in either party, really stands to benefit."

The scale of data center development is significant. There are approximately 3,000 data centers currently operating in the U.S., with projections indicating this number could double in the coming years, according to a Pew Research Center report. Some projects are massive in scope, such as an Amazon data center under construction in Indiana that will span over a square mile and be equipped with hundreds of diesel generators. Another proposed complex in Ohio is slated to cover roughly six square miles.

The growth of data centers is closely tied to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, with these facilities providing the necessary computational power. However, this association has also fueled public fears related to AI.

Community organizing against data center development has surged. According to research from Data Center Watch, the number of community groups organizing against these projects more than doubled in the first few months of the year, with over 833 groups now active in almost every U.S. state.

Stephanie Maldonado, political director of LUCHA, a community organizing group in Arizona, described the pushback as a "David and Goliath story" that has gained significant momentum. "People have been ready to put a stop to it. Now, people are angry," Maldonado stated.

Polling indicates that issues related to AI regulation and data centers are becoming significant concerns for voters, ranking among the top issues this election cycle. While proponents argue that data centers create jobs, research from the Brookings Institution suggests that the employment impact is fewer than industry advocates claim, with little effect on local wages.

Politicians are responding in various ways. In Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs enacted a three-year pause on new tax breaks for data center projects following public pressure. In Michigan, Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El Sayed made data center regulations a key part of his campaign. A close race for governor in Georgia features a Democrat advocating for a pause on development against a Republican who disagrees.

Even in states with historically pro-business stances, the issue is gaining traction. In Texas, which currently has nearly 300 operational data centers and many more planned, Republican Governor Greg Abbott has shifted from promoting the state as an "epicenter of AI development" to citing concerns about "safety and quality of life."

Former President Donald Trump has criticized the backlash, calling it a "sick conspiracy" and those opposing data centers "backwards and poor." This stance has been leveraged by some Democrats to appeal to undecided voters.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee has acknowledged the issue's political weight, with a private memo advising Republican politicians to reframe their messaging on data centers, recognizing it as a "sleeper issue for the entire election cycle."

Many of the policy responses, such as temporary moratoriums on new projects, are set to expire within a few years. It remains to be seen how these developments will influence the upcoming elections and the long-term trajectory of data center development in the U.S.