Data center hate is snowballing, and construction setbacks in the first three months of 2026 have already exceeded last year’s, report finds

**DATA CENTER OPPOSITION EXPLODES: 75 Projects Worth Over $130 Billion Delayed or Cancelled in First Quarter of 2026**

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, a growing backlash against data centers is gaining momentum across the United States. According to a recent report, at least 75 data center projects worth over $130 billion have been delayed or cancelled in the first three months of 2026, a staggering number that surpasses last year's total. The scale of opposition is so significant that it has led researchers to declare that the era of data center expansion is coming to an end.

Background & Context

Data centers are large facilities that house computer servers, storage systems, and other equipment necessary for the operation of the internet, cloud computing, and other digital services. They are a critical component of modern society, supporting everything from online banking and social media to artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). However, the rapid growth of the data center industry has also raised concerns about the environmental, social, and economic impacts of these facilities.

As the demand for data storage and processing continues to increase, data centers are being built at an unprecedented rate. However, this growth has been accompanied by growing concerns about the water usage, air quality impacts, and increased costs associated with these facilities. Community protests, petitions, and participation in public meetings have become more common as residents and activists raise awareness about the potential consequences of data center development.

Key Details

According to a report published this month, the scale of data center opposition in the first three months of 2026 matches the scale of opposition in all of 2025. The report found that active opposition groups ballooned from 396 by the end of last year to 833 by the end of March 2026, spanning across 49 states. About a dozen states have introduced data center construction moratoriums, including New York, which recently passed legislation putting a one-year pause on large data center permits.

Miquel Vila, lead researcher at Data Center Watch, noted that opposition to data centers is no longer limited to community groups and neighbors affected by specific projects. "Opposition to data centers—it's now part of a mainstream conversation," Vila said. "It's not anymore only the communities, not only anymore the neighbors that are being affected by a specific project. Now, this is part of the general narrative, general discourse, of American politics."

Plummeting popularity of data centers has also been reflected in public opinion polls. A recent survey found that seven in 10 Americans now oppose data centers built around their homes. The growing dissent comes amid studies showing a 6% to 29% increase in wholesale electricity costs by the end of the decade as a result of data center expansion, as well as projections that the environmental and public health costs of AI infrastructure growth could cost the economy $25 billion annually.

What Experts Say

The rise in data center opposition is not just about the magnitude of the opposition, but also about the ballooning sizes of advocacy groups. Data Center Watch found an increase in both grassroots organizations opposing local projects and also in state and national advocacy. Large players like Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and the NAACP have backed a 500-group coalition opposing unfettered data center construction.

"We're seeing a shift in the way people think about data centers," said a spokesperson for the coalition. "People are starting to realize that the costs of data center expansion are not just environmental, but also economic and social. We're advocating for a more sustainable and responsible approach to data center development."

Key Takeaways

• At least 75 data center projects worth over $130 billion have been delayed or cancelled in the first three months of 2026.
• Data center opposition has become a mainstream conversation in American politics.
• Seven in 10 Americans now oppose data centers built around their homes.
• The environmental and public health costs of AI infrastructure growth could cost the economy $25 billion annually.

What This Means For You

The growing opposition to data centers has significant implications for the economy and the environment. As the demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow, the need for sustainable and responsible data center development becomes increasingly important. This means that policymakers, developers, and community leaders must work together to find solutions that balance the needs of the economy with the concerns of local communities.

For individuals, this means staying informed about data center development in your area and engaging in public discussions about the potential impacts of these facilities. By raising awareness and advocating for sustainable practices, we can work towards a future where data centers are developed in a way that benefits both people and the planet.