America's hottest NIMBY issue: Data centers
Business Insider
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
As data center development expands across the U.S., it has sparked widespread opposition among local communities, politicians, and voters. Politicians ranging from Ron DeSantis to Bernie Sanders have joined forces in calling for stricter regulations or outright moratoriums on new data centers, citing concerns over rising energy costs, environmental impact, and the concentration of wealth in Big Tech. States like New York, Georgia, and Maryland have introduced bills to pause construction, while advocates successfully blocked $98 billion worth of projects between March and June last year.
Until recently, states actively courted data centers for job creation and long-term revenue, offering tax incentives to attract these tech-heavy facilities. However, as data centers have expanded into more communities, opposition has grown. Voters are increasingly wary of their presence, with 41% now supporting a ban on AI data centers near their homes, up from 37% just months prior. This shift reflects broader concerns about energy costs and the potential negative impact on local quality of life.
The issue has become a key talking point in the midterm election cycle, with candidates leveraging it to appeal to voters' economic anxieties. Data centers are seen as both a symbol of technological progress and a threat to traditional industries, particularly for white-collar workers worried about job displacement. The battle over data center development highlights the growing tension between tech innovation and local community needs, making it a critical issue for businesses navigating regulatory risks and public sentiment.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/22/2026