Opposition to large data centers is emerging across party lines in several states. Recent moves by governors in Texas and New York highlight the trend. Local votes and polling show broad public resistance.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott unveiled recommendations this month to regulate data center development. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has not indicated whether she will sign a bill for a one-year moratorium on large facilities.
Polling from Gallup found 70 percent of Americans oppose local construction of AI data centers. Support crossed party lines, with 75 percent of Democrats and 63 percent of Republicans opposed.
Voters in Monterey Park, California, approved a permanent ban earlier this month. In Box Elder County, Utah, a project backed by Kevin O’Leary faces resistance from local conservatives over impacts on the Great Salt Lake and tax incentives.
At least 75 projects worth $130 billion were stalled or blocked in the first three months of 2026. More than 800 groups across 49 states are now opposing about 1,500 planned centers.
