Voters across the United States have supported bans on data centres and limits on their electricity demand. A preliminary national tally reported opposition prevailing in 38 votes, while reporting from Ohio confirmed support for bans in Pataskala and Granville. The results concern distinct local measures as counting continues, rather than a single nationwide restriction.
Voters in the United States have backed local restrictions on data centres, including outright bans and limits on the electricity power that facilities can draw. Results from Pataskala and Granville in Ohio also showed support for large-scale data-centre bans. The votes concern whether and under what conditions these facilities can be built in individual communities, where proposed developments have drawn organised opposition.[1], [2]
According to 404 Media’s preliminary tally, data centres were explicitly on the ballot in more than 40 votes across 13 states. Opposition prevailed in 38 of those votes at publication, with counting continuing. 6 cities chose outright bans, while 12 adopted limits on megawatts. Those measures involve separate local decisions; they have different scopes rather than establishing one federal restriction for every proposed facility.[1]
Concern about utility bills and air quality and water use featured in the opposition described by Local Progress, a network of local elected officials. A representative told 404 Media that residents were not seeing the promised benefits in everyday life. In Ohio, Pataskala and Granville approved bans through changes to their municipal charters.[1], [2]
