Republican- and Democrat-run states, towns and counties have all begun to block new data center projects, with Texas and New York both prominent entries from both sides of the political divide, and with the majority of the bans appearing in the Midwest and South, according to the report.
Politicians aren’t doing this out of spite, but in response to the growing concern from residents over the impact on communities. Among them are the impact of noise on local residents , as well as the disproportionate impact on public services, including on water and electricity supplies. It follows Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s moratorium on data center approvals in recent weeks until an extensive audit has been conducted of companies looking to hook their new centers up to the Texan power grid.
The rapid growth of new data centers in Texas and nearby states has likely fueled those concerns from residents. The Information reports that most of the bans are in the Midwest and South, with more than 400 restrictions now in place, with nearly three-quarters of the moratoriums approved in July occurring in southern states like Georgia and Florida. Florida, in particular, is quickly stopping new developments, with 14 out of 23 current active restrictions in that state being approved in July, and 15 more under consideration.
142 AI data center protests staged in 42 states as public opposition increases
Key considerations
- Investor positioning can change fast
- Volatility remains possible near catalysts
- Macro rates and liquidity can dominate flows
Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/data-centers/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/data-centers/ai-data-center-bans-surge-past-500-nationwide-as-local-us-politicians-begin-blocking-new-developments-growing-public-outrage-and-bipartisan-pushback-threaten-big-tech-expansion-plans#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com/membership
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Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.