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Data centers also lost at the ballot box in the United States
US voters have delivered a broad rebuke to proposed data-centre developments, adding political pressure on the artificial intelligence industry after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. Critics say the facilities can raise local electricity bills, use large quantities of water and receive public incentives through opaque agreements.
Of 41 data-centre project votes held across 10 states, only one passed, according to Ballotpedia; it was in Harwood, North Dakota. Ohio saw 21 proposals rejected, and incoming governor Amy Acton backs a pause on new developments until operators cover the public-service costs they create and allow construction workers to unionise. The backlash also puts scrutiny on a proposed OpenAI campus in Ohio that could involve more than $500 billion in investment.
In short
- Voters rejected 40 of 41 data-centre proposals.
- Ohio accounted for 21 failed projects.
- The results raise pressure for tighter rules on AI infrastructure.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Voters have good reason to reject projects when they fear higher electricity bills, heavy water use or public incentives agreed without adequate transparency. Requiring developers to cover the costs they impose and giving communities a say can protect residents and public services, while a pause may allow time for clearer rules and stronger safeguards.
The case against
Data centres can support AI development, attract substantial investment and create jobs, so rejecting projects or imposing a broad pause may forgo economic benefits and delay useful infrastructure. Developers could argue that concerns about bills, water and public costs are better addressed through transparent agreements and project-specific requirements than by blocking proposals, while unionisation rules are a separate question from whether a facility should proceed.
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