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Voters in at least 29 jurisdictions approved bans or restrictions on November 3, challenging the expansion of infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence (AI), according to The Washington Post report. In Ohio, a campaign group said all 10 local measures it helped draft to prohibit large-scale data centres had passed. The election also brought a setback for developers in Texas, where Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent governor Greg Abbott. The results reflect concerns about power consumption, water use, noise and public oversight, although their eventual effect on planned projects remains uncertain. Conserve Ohio, a group helping residents oppose large-scale data centres, said its 10 proposed local charter amendments had already passed. In Joliet Township, Illinois, nearly 80% backed a measure restricting data centres. In Janesville, Wisconsin, more than 60% supported requiring voter approval for future changes to an abandoned General Motors site following opposition to a proposed data centre.
Co-founder Nick Owens said the measures would prohibit large facilities in the affected communities. They do not amount to a statewide ban, although the group hopes to put such a proposal before Ohio voters next year. More than three-quarters of voters in Hubbard, Ohio, supported restrictions, the report said. US communities have voted to curb new data centres. Hinojosa supports a moratorium, a temporary pause on construction, and stronger protections for the environment and electricity customers.
The report also said Ohio elected Democrat Amy Acton, who supports a moratorium and stronger regulation. Ahead of the election, Ballotpedia counted 41 local data-centre measures across 10 states. Of those, 28 would limit development if approved, while 13 would facilitate it. Ohio had 21 measures, the most of any state. The proposals varied considerably.
Because of public opposition. However, it remains unclear how much the latest votes will reduce construction nationally, some questions were advisory and would express voters’ preferences without directly changing development rules. The report cited S&P Global research showing that more than 145 US data-centre projects had been delayed or canceled through early August, mostly. The consequences for individual projects will depend on the policies introduced and how they apply to existing approvals.
Microsoft, Google and Amazon say they are dropping contentious contract provisions that required officials to keep early project discussions confidential, according to the report. Hinojosa’s victory raises questions for developers in Texas, where industry estimates cited by the Post place roughly a quarter of planned new US technology-industry data centres. Her proposed approach combines a construction moratorium with regulations intended to protect communities from the effects of facilities’ electricity demands. An election victory does not itself impose those restrictions. Some would prohibit facilities above specified size or electricity-use thresholds; others would introduce temporary pauses, zoning requirements or additional public approval. Developers may revise projects, absorb higher costs or seek alternative locations. Technology companies are also changing their approach to local communities. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.