Data center opposition is sharply rising in 2026, study finds

Key Points:

• The first quarter of 2026 saw a record number of blocked or delayed data center projects, with at least 75 projects worth approximately $130 billion affected nationwide, according to a study by Data Center Watch.
• The study indicates a structural shift in opposition, with communities adopting organized resistance strategies, legislative sessions introducing regulatory uncertainty, and the number of active opposition groups more than doubling to 833 across 49 states.
• Data center construction has become a contentious political issue due to concerns over energy consumption and environmental impact, prompting lawmakers from both parties to propose moratoriums and increased regulatory oversight.
• Over 300 related bills were introduced in state legislatures in early 2026, signaling a shift from incentive-based policies to regulatory measures, though none have yet become law; one moratorium bill was vetoed by Maine’s governor.
• Opposition groups have grown rapidly, especially in Maryland, Ohio, and Texas, with some mobilizing even before projects were officially announced, reflecting heightened community resistance to data center developments.