US Data Center Opposition Blocks or Delays 45 Projects Worth $68 Billion in Q2

Local opposition blocked or delayed 45 US data center projects worth $68 billion between April and June 2026, according to research group Data Center Watch. The affected projects represented more than half of all new large-scale developments tracked during the quarter. Communities across the country are enacting construction moratoriums, often before developers can apply for permits. Roughly 30 statehouses introduced or adopted rules governing data center siting, electricity and water use. There are now 843 opposition groups across 49 states, with Hawaii the sole exception. Opposition has become bipartisan, targeting environmental harm and resource consumption tied to AI infrastructure. Hyperscalers including Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Alphabet argue the facilities are needed to compete with China. President Donald Trump has dismissed the pushback as a "sick conspiracy." Data Center Watch also reported protests outside the US for the first time, citing campaigns in Europe, Australia and South Africa.