Data center opposition gains political traction across US states

Photo: Brett Sayles / Pexels Opposition to data centers is becoming a significant issue in political campaigns across the United States, according to a report from The Verge. The backlash centers around concerns over electricity usage, water consumption, costs, noise, and local control, with figures from both political parties, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, addressing these issues. As U.S. data center grid demand reached 64.4 gigawatts in 2025, a 25% increase from the previous year, opposition has resulted in delays and blocked projects through various legal and political actions. This growing movement is now influencing state-level discussions about potential moratoriums on data center development. Key Takeaways Market activity suggests increased likelihood of legislative action in Louisiana, with potential for a data center moratorium being considered due to the growing opposition movement. Recent increases in YES pricing for Louisiana’s 2029 data center moratorium market indicate a perceived rise in the probability of state-level intervention. The cross-party political engagement in data center issues sugg...