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Anti-data center ballot measures on track to go 40-1 in sign of backlash
Voters in 10 states backed measures opposing data centre development, with results pointing to a broad backlash against the industry. The votes matter because they could restrict where data centres are built as demand for the facilities grows.
As of Wednesday, 28 of 29 measures to restrict development were on track to pass, with Harwood, North Dakota, the exception; all 13 measures intended to facilitate construction were on track to fail, according to Ballotpedia. Ohio had 21 data centre-related measures, including bans approved in Urbana, Trenton, Upper Sandusky and Granville, and restrictions on facilities using more than 25 megawatts passed in Conneaut, Defiance and Sunbury.
In short
- Anti-data centre measures led in 28 of 29 votes.
- All 13 measures supporting construction were on track to fail.
- Ohio communities approved bans and power-use limits.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of restrictions argue that data centres can bring heavy electricity and water demand, strain local infrastructure and affect nearby residents, while offering communities limited control over where and how quickly they expand. Local measures can protect resources and give residents a say as demand grows, while encouraging developers to address costs and impacts before building.
The case against
Opponents argue that data centres support digital services, investment and jobs, and that blanket bans or tight limits can deter projects that might otherwise benefit local communities. They favour assessing proposals individually, with planning rules and agreements to manage power, water and infrastructure needs, rather than restricting development across whole areas.
Explained simply
Data centres are large facilities that house the computers and networking equipment used to store data and run online services, including cloud computing and artificial intelligence. They need substantial amounts of electricity and cooling, and are often built near power supplies and reliable internet connections.
Local governments decide how land can be used, while residents may have a say through ballot measures. Proposals can limit where data centres are built or set conditions on their size and operation; others aim to make construction easier. The measures described here concern local rules across several states, with Ohio seeing many of them.
The issue matters as demand for data centre capacity grows, while communities weigh potential investment and services against effects on land, electricity use and local infrastructure. The votes could shape which projects proceed and where companies choose to build.