Data centres on the ballot: AI infrastructure could shape US midterms
Voters in 38 local jurisdictions will decide on 41 measures related to data centres, including delays, bans, or new rules.
In Brief
- •Voters in 38 local jurisdictions will decide on 41 measures related to data centres, including delays, bans, or new rules.
- •A Gallup poll found seven in ten Americans oppose data centres being built in their area.
- •Data centres, which power AI services like ChatGPT and Claude, are at the heart of the AI boom but face backlash due to their rapid growth and high electricity use.
- •Voters in Ohio are joining forces across party lines to oppose data centres, with 21 measures on the ballot.
- •Data centres are ranked ahead of climate change as an important issue for residents in the upcoming midterm election.
Why It Matters
The upcoming local elections in the US will have a significant impact on the future of data centres and AI infrastructure. The measures on the ballot could influence the growth and regulation of these facilities, which are crucial for the AI boom. The opposition to data centres is driven by concerns over their environmental impact and the potential for increased electricity use. The outcome of these elections could shape the broader debate on AI and its infrastructure in the coming years.
Key Details
- Number of jurisdictions
- 38
- Number of measures
- 41
- Opposition percentage
- 70%
- State with most measures
- Ohio
- Number of measures in Ohio
- 21
Context & Background
Data centres have become a significant part of the AI infrastructure, housing the chips and servers behind popular AI services. However, their rapid growth and high electricity use have sparked backlash, leading to increased opposition from the public.
Original Reporting & Sources
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