Over 500 Jurisdictions Ban Data Center Construction, Threatening US’ Pole Position in AI Race

Over 500 jurisdictions across the US are slamming the brakes on construction of massive data centers, threatening the US’ position in the AI race against countries like China.

More than 150 localities passed bans last month alone, as tech giants and developers face a tsunami of opposition from local Luddites, news site The Information found.

Over the summer, activists protested from Fredericksburg, Va., to Tyler, Texas, and beyond to voice their opposition to planned data centers. They cited concerns like the environmental impact and energy consumption of the gargantuan sites.

“There’s a pretty strong sense that local people want to oppose these and part of it is the tech bros are forcing AI on us,” Paul Triolo, a partner at consulting firm DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group, told The Post. . .

The backlash is not confined to the local level, and two states have pushed back against data center growth. New York Gov. Hochul, a Dem, enacted a one-year moratorium on new data centers. Texas is taking a less strict approach, with Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, implementing a pause so state agencies can audit projects. There is no end date for the hiatus. (Read more from “Over 500 Jurisdictions Ban Data Center Construction, Threatening US’ Pole Position in AI Race” HERE)