Bipartisan Opposition Blocks Over $130 Billion in Data Center Projects Amid Power and Water Cost Concerns
A wave of opposition to large-scale data center construction has swept across the United States in early 2026, resulting in the successful blocking of over 75 projects worth a combined $130 billion.
The opposition has emerged on a bipartisan basis, with communities and local officials raising concerns about the substantial power and water requirements of modern AI data centers. These facilities require significant electrical infrastructure and water for cooling systems, raising worries about strain on local utilities and natural resources.
The trend reflects growing tensions between the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and the capacity of local communities to absorb the environmental and resource demands of these facilities. Industry observers note that the debate is likely to continue as demand for AI computing power grows.