Growing Opposition to Data Center Developments Across the U.S.
Public resistance to data center constructions has surged, with 69 jurisdictions having active moratoriums as of April 2026. This trend is driven by environmental concerns and the increasing scale of data facilities, which are more than quadrupling in capacity over the last decade.
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As of April 2026, there are 69 jurisdictions in the U.S. with active moratoriums on data center developments, reflecting a significant increase from only eight moratoriums in May 2025. Over 700 hyperscale and co-location data centers are currently under construction, adding to the existing 3,000 facilities.
Community opposition has led to the cancellation of 17 data center projects and the delay of 18 others between 2023 and 2025. Proposed legislation in states like Vermont and Georgia aims to slow or ban developments, while recent efforts in New Hampshire and Wisconsin have failed.
In Utah, a proposed project backed by Kevin O'Leary could consume 9 gigawatts of energy but faces environmental scrutiny amid severe drought conditions. The outcome of local referenda may further influence the future of data center expansions.
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