Across the United States, Republican and Democratic lawmakers are aligning to regulate artificial intelligence and the energy-intensive data centers that power it, driven by concerns over electricity costs and resource use. President Trump has joined the push by urging tech companies to build their own power plants. This unusual cooperation contrasts with federal gridlock and reflects voter frustrations ahead of midterms.
Unlike the partisan stalemates in Congress, state legislators in 2026 are finding common ground on regulating artificial intelligence and curbing the growth of data centers. Big tech's influence has disrupted traditional ideological divides, allowing conservatives and liberals to address shared concerns, according to David Primo, a professor at the University of Rochester. "Conservatives and liberals are saying, 'Well, here's an opportunity for us to stop what we think is a problem,'" Primo said.
On AI, nearly every state has introduced proposals. In Florida, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis supports the Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights, which would make it illegal to use a person's name, image, or likeness without consent, require parental permission for those under 18 to use companion chatbots, and mandate that bots disclose they are not human. DeSantis warned, "I really fear that if this is not addressed in an intelligent and proper way, you know, it could set off an age of darkness and deceit." He criticized tech companies for prioritizing profits over user safety. In New York, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul is advancing measures to ban chatbots in social media apps for children under 18 and limit their interactions with young people. "We're going to disable certain companion features," Hochul said, placing responsibility on app companies.
Despite a late-2025 executive order from President Trump aiming to prevent states from regulating AI independently, states are proceeding. Data centers, essential for AI, are raising alarms over their high electricity and water demands, potentially increasing utility bills for residents. A POLITICO poll in mid-January found 29 percent of Americans citing higher electricity bills as a top drawback, with 24 percent worried about blackouts.
Trump, who previously accelerated federal permitting for data centers, pivoted in his February 2026 State of the Union address. He announced negotiations requiring tech companies to build their own power plants to avoid burdening consumers. "We're telling the major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs," Trump said. The White House expects agreements soon. Democratic governors echo this: Illinois' JB Pritzker seeks to pause tax incentives, Arizona's Katie Hobbs proposes eliminating breaks and adding water fees, and New York's Hochul wants operators to pay more or supply their own power. Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro is codifying standards for developers to generate their own power and hire locally. A Quinnipiac University survey showed 68 percent of Pennsylvania voters opposing data centers in their communities.
Proposals include temporary bans in New York, Maine, and Oklahoma; renewable energy requirements in Colorado; and nuclear expansion in multiple states. Tech companies oppose the patchwork of state laws, arguing it could stifle innovation. Bipartisan efforts also extend to housing affordability, with Florida loosening rules on accessory dwelling units amid rising costs.
