Voters across the US are set to decide on 41 ballot measures related to data centers, as concerns over their environmental impact and effects on local communities continue to grow.
What happened
According to recent polls, over half of the population believes that data centers are harmful to the environment, with many also expressing concerns over their impact on home energy costs and quality of life. In response, some communities are pushing for moratoriums or outright bans on data center development.
Ohio has the highest number of ballot measures related to data centers, with 21 measures addressing the issue. Five of these measures would ban data centers outright in certain cities. Other states, such as California, Illinois, and Maine, also have ballot measures related to data center development.
Some lawmakers have called for a federal moratorium on data center development, citing the need for stricter regulations on the industry. The issue has also become a point of contention in the Ohio Senate race, with candidates differing on their approaches to regulating data centers.
In addition to bans and moratoriums, some ballot measures would impose restrictions or requirements on data center development, such as requiring voter approval or additional review before construction can begin.
