Voters in 10 US states will decide on Election Day whether to curb data center development in their communities, as the rapid buildout needed to power the AI boom stirs local opposition.
\n\nResistance is especially visible in Ohio, one of the country's fastest-growing data center markets. No state has more data center-related ballot measures, with voters in more than a dozen jurisdictions set to consider 21 proposals alongside Tuesday's midterm elections, according to the nonpartisan research group Ballotpedia.
\n\nVoters in 38 local jurisdictions will consider at least 41 measures that would delay, prohibit or impose new requirements on data centers, the sprawling facilities that provide the computing power required to run AI applications. Most states require petition drives or other demonstrations of public support before measures can qualify for the ballot, and their appearance reflects growing data center opposition across the political spectrum.
\n\nSupport for banning construction of certain data centers is coming from both Democrats and Republicans, said local organizer Jessica Baker. "We all want the same thing."
\n\nBaker, who is part of the advocacy group Conserve Ohio, said concerns about data centers' electricity and water demands are driving the opposition. Even if developers generate their own power through…
Original source: https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/
