The public opposition to AI infrastructure is heating up | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Lucas Ropek

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The growing public opposition to AI infrastructure, particularly data centers, is gaining momentum across the U.S., leading to a surge of restrictive policies such as temporary bans on new construction. States and cities are increasingly imposing moratoriums to assess the environmental and economic impacts of these facilities. For instance, New York proposed a three-year halt on issuing permits for data center development, while other locations like New Orleans and Madison, WI, have already implemented similar measures. This trend reflects broader concerns about the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and its effects on local communities. Environmental activists have long criticized data centers for their high energy consumption and environmental footprint, but recent opposition has gained traction among lawmakers from both political parties. In conservative states like Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis introduced an AI “bill of rights” empowering local communities to limit new data center construction. Even in liberal states, such as Vermont, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has called for a nationwide moratorium. This bipartisan push highlights the rising public sentiment against the tech industry’s rapid expansion. Tech companies, however, are doubling down on their investments. Giants like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft plan to spend $650 billion on capital expenditures over the next year, with most of that funding directed toward data center buildouts. The scale and speed of these projects have sparked widespread criticism, as evidenced by recent polls showing significant public opposition to new data center construction in local areas. For example, a poll by Echelon Insights found 46% of respondents would oppose plans for a nearby data center, compared to only 35% who support them. In response to this backlash, tech companies are attempting to mitigate concerns through concessions and lobbying efforts. Some operators have pledged to take responsibility for supplying power to new AI data centers, while others are investing in targeted advertising and community

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/25/2026