Local opposition delays nearly $200 billion in US data center projects

Local opposition has significantly disrupted tens of billions of dollars in U.S. data center projects this year, with community resistance blocking or delaying nearly $200 billion worth of developments in the first half of 2026. According to data from research group Data Center Watch, at least 45 projects valued at approximately $68 billion were blocked or delayed between April and June, following an even larger disruption in the first quarter when about 75 projects worth roughly $130 billion faced opposition. The resistance is widespread, with organized opposition groups now active in 49 states, with Hawaii being the only exception. Concerns from residents and advocacy groups center on the strain these massive facilities place on local resources, including electricity grids, water supplies, and land use, as well as noise pollution and a lack of transparency in development agreements. A Gallup survey conducted in March found that seven in 10 Americans oppose constructing data centers for artificial intelligence in their local area, with 48 percent strongly opposed. This backlash has translated into legislative and regulatory action.