Data centers have increasingly become a political issue for both the AI industry and their supporters, shaping discussions as the 2026 midterm elections approach. It’s clear that those involved in AI are eager to reframe the conversation around this contentious infrastructure.
This week, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace proposed a one-year halt on new data centers in South Carolina. Meanwhile, in St. Charles, Missouri, local leaders took a stronger stance, passing a 7-1 vote for a complete ban. Adding to this momentum, California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer, a Democrat, momentarily supported a moratorium on new Greenpeace data centers, although he later clarified that he was merely backing certain guidelines.
A recent Gallup poll reveals that 71% of Americans are against data facilities in their neighborhoods, marking a higher level of opposition than that faced by nuclear power.
Some of the backlash, however, seems exaggerated as data centers have become a convenient target for various local grievances.
“Data centers are now blamed for kids getting stuck on roller coasters,” noted Nathan Riemer, executive director of Build American AI. “People latch onto this as the cause of all issues, and that narrative spreads faster than the facts.”
President Trump recently addressed these concerns by urging AI firms to “pay their own bills” and create distinct pricing structures to help data centers manage essential power upgrades.
It’s understandable why communities may be apprehensive. No one wants to see massive, imposing structures owned by an unknown AI corporation, nor do they want to face rising electricity bills. According to the International Energy Agency, data centers are expected to contribute significantly to U.S. electricity demand growth by 2030.
For some, this opposition offers a chance to challenge the rapid changes reshaping everyday life. Unlike past technological revolutions, people now have a vehicle to voice their discontent with new developments.
This fear was palpable for Indianapolis City Councilman Ron Gibson, who found himself startled awake by gunshots and a threatening note reading “No Data Centers” on his door, despite supporting the local data center initiative.
This situation has led AI leaders to rethink their strategies, aiming to reassure residents who are wary of change and uneasy about their communities’ futures.
One emerging idea is to channel the profits from local data centers into community investments. Leamer suggests looking at the telecommunications sector as a model; when those companies sought local permits, they often made agreements to provide community services such as Wi-Fi and low-income access programs.
The Brookings Institution has advocated for data centers to pay “hosting fees,” allowing towns and residents to share in the economic benefits more significantly.
“People don’t want construction dust in their backyards,” Riemer remarked. “The default reaction is often NIMBYism. Data centers will need to actively engage and invest in local communities.”
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a deal was reached to allocate $20 million for local economic growth, ensure the hiring of local workers, and minimize water and energy consumption.
Data centers are creating jobs for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and heavy equipment operators, often offering salaries significantly above the average for similar roles.
“If this opposition continues, construction workers—who have already been hurt by the pandemic and rural economic downturn—will find themselves out of work,” Riemer cautioned.
While AI companies promise transformative benefits, they must find ways to gain the trust and support of communities across the nation.
