Public opinion is crucial as the midterm elections approach, and this time, voters are expressing strong views on data centers.
Republican Senate candidates are becoming increasingly aware that their constituents are unhappy with data centers, according to recent polls. Many believe that the development of these large, windowless structures should face delays or be completely stopped, yet there is a hesitance to give the federal government too much influence in these decisions.
Senator Jon Husted from Ohio mentioned in a conversation that data center companies have struggled to clarify why their projects should be welcomed in local communities. “Ultimately, these decisions should rest with local authorities, not federal ones,” he asserted. “I don’t want the government forcing a decision about whether a data center is necessary or not. Some might support it, while others will oppose it.”
A Gallup Poll released in May indicated that a significant 70% of Americans prefer not to have new AI data centers built in their neighborhoods. Many fear the potential increase in their utility expenses, particularly related to water and electricity.
Husted is among several Republican candidates facing tough races this cycle, and he consistently hears concerns about data centers on the campaign trail.
Last week, he tried to pass a bill in the Senate aimed at alleviating rising electricity costs linked to AI and technology companies, but his efforts were halted by Senator Martin Heinrich, a Democrat from New Mexico. This was surprising, especially since the House had previously approved the bill by a substantial margin of 417 to 3.
Heinrich highlighted the need for substantive legislation instead of voluntary commitments that lack real impact.
Meanwhile, former Representative Mike Rogers, who is engaged in a fiercely contested race in Michigan, expressed that he is hearing considerable worry about data centers, both regarding their physical presence and their implications for AI technology. “There should be a pause on new developments until we fully address voters’ concerns,” Rogers noted, emphasizing the importance of careful decision-making. He doesn’t advocate for a sweeping federal ban, fearing that this could lead to a situation where the government dictates local decisions.
Rogers supports the idea of data centers utilizing closed water systems to minimize costs for residents, and he believes that the surge in property taxes from such developments should benefit local taxpayers.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune also echoed sentiments about minimizing government intervention. He stated that the goal should be to empower local governments “closest to the people” to make sound decisions.
Thune is working on legislation alongside Senator Amy Klobuchar that seeks to regulate AI with a light-touch approach, which has been in discussion since 2023. He mentioned the public’s discomfort with opaque operations in the data center industry and stressed the need for transparency and clear guidelines. “I’m not advocating for an overly stringent regulatory system; that’s just not my style,” he concluded.
