politics
The data center boom is colliding with the midterms
The majority of competitive House districts have data centers either planned or under construction, a POLITICO analysis shows.
TL;DR
- Over 200 data centers are being built in dozens of competitive House districts.
- Opposition is rising due to increased electricity bills, water consumption, and land use concerns.
- Data centers are becoming a significant campaign issue in the midterm elections, with many candidates taking varied stances.
- There is a lack of unified national messaging on data centers from both major parties.
- Local opposition has led to ballot measure campaigns and the cancellation of some data center proposals.
- The tech lobby plays a role, influencing candidates and campaign advertising.
- Environmental activists argue that proposed consumer protections do not adequately address risks like water quality and air pollution.