‘Real, Actual Villains’: What’s Driving the Remarkably Bipartisan Backlash to Data Centers

Key Points:

• Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, has proposed strict regulations on data center development, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is considering a moratorium on large-scale data centers, highlighting bipartisan concern over the industry.
• Data centers, especially those supporting AI, consume vast energy and resources, sparking local opposition across the U.S. due to concerns over rising energy costs, environmental impact, and community resource strain.
• Polls reveal a rare bipartisan consensus against local data center construction, with conservative Republicans opposing them at rates comparable to liberal Democrats, driven by diverse local grievances rather than ideology.
• The backlash against data centers is fueled by growing mistrust of Big Tech CEOs and concerns over their influence, as well as economic pressures like rising living and energy costs affecting communities nationwide.
• Experts caution that while current opposition crosses party lines, data center regulation could become politicized ahead of the 2026 midterms, potentially mirroring the partisan divide seen in past environmental issues like fracking bans.