AI data center boom faces backlash at the US ballot box

Voters in 10 US states will decide on Election Day whether to curb data center development, Reuters reports. Per Ballotpedia, 38 local jurisdictions will weigh at least 41 measures to delay, prohibit or add requirements for data centers, with Ohio leading at 21 proposals. In Sunbury, near Columbus, a ban on facilities drawing more than 25 megawatts could derail Amazon's proposed $2 billion project. Organizers say opposition spans both parties and centers on electricity and water use, while analysts expect developers to shift projects elsewhere rather than abandon them.