US cities, counties and states have enacted more than 300 measures to block or pause new data centers since 2023, with over 275 of them added in 2026 alone. As demand for AI infrastructure surges, locally driven opposition is spreading nationwide.
Data Center Backlash · 2023–2026
300+ Local Bans and Pauses Threaten the US Data Center Boom
As demand for AI infrastructure surges, more than 300 state and local measures have moved to block or pause new data centers — most of them added in 2026, in a wave of opposition spreading across party lines nationwide.
300+
Measures to block or pause data centers since 2023
275+
Added in 2026 alone as the pace accelerated
$64B
In projects blocked or delayed nationwide
The 2026 surge of moratoriums
Cumulative local moratoriums tracked — each block represents activity stacking up over time
14 more states are now considering their own moratoriums.
Spring 2026 — key measures enacted
Denver, CO
1-year moratorium, citywide
Minneapolis, MN
6-month pause (over 350,000 sq ft)
Baltimore City, MD
1-year pause
Monterey Park, CA
Permanent ban via ballot
Smithfield, RI
Outright ban
New York State
1-year moratorium bill passed (hyperscale)
Michigan
20+ local governments introducing moratoriums
Residents & opponents
Protecting power and water resources and shielding residential areas is a hard-won victory. Concerns over power demand, water use, noise and strained grids — plus calls for ratepayer protection and impact assessments.
Industry & proponents
Moratoriums cost jobs and tax revenue and undermine AI competitiveness. Mounting construction delays and cancellations — with grid capacity a persistent bottleneck for expansion.
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