U.S. Midterms Ramp Up Regulatory Pressure on Data Centers as Multiple Local Referendums Pass Expansion Bans

Across the U.S., numerous localities tightened policies on data center expansion during the midterms, with 33 out of 45 local ballot measures leaning toward restricting development. An NBC News poll showed that 76% of surveyed voters oppose building data centers in their communities. Several cities in Ohio voted to ban data centers exceeding 25 MW, while El Dorado, Kansas, approved a 10-year ban on facilities with peak loads over 10 MW.