11 politicians who have changed their tune on data centers
Elected officials across the U.S. are reconsidering their support for data center development due to public backlash and high energy demands. Several states, including New York, have begun implementing moratoriums or stricter regulations on hyperscale AI data centers.
Why it matters
The rapid growth of AI infrastructure is creating a conflict between economic development goals and local energy/environmental sustainability concerns.
A data center protest in Austin, Texas Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images The data center backlash is here. Across the country, leaders are shifting how they talk about data centers. Now, even previous vocal supporters are tempering their statements. America's elected officials have a different tune when it comes to data centers. Amid intense public pushback, elected officials and those running for office this November have moved to rein in support for data centers or enact pauses on their development entirely. Some, like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, represent states that are already home to massive hyperscale projects. Others, like Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, the GOP's gubernatorial nominee, may lead states that are sorting through such proposals. A few told us that they haven't changed their minds at all, rejecting the suggestion that they've evolved on the topic. Then there are those like Pennsylvania Gov.
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