America Turned on Data Centers
6 hours ago
- Data centers have become a rare bipartisan issue in the 2026 midterms, with both left and right opposing them due to environmental, economic, and political concerns.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott reversed his pro-data-center stance under political pressure, announcing a moratorium to address backlash.
- The AI boom has driven massive data center expansion, leading to increased utility bills, water use, pollution, and community opposition.
- Flock cameras, part of AI-driven surveillance, are also facing bipartisan backlash as symbols of unchecked government and corporate power.
- Candidates like Marcy Kaptur have shifted campaign messages to attack opponents over data center incentives, reflecting the issue's electoral potency.
- President Trump continues to support data centers and Flock cameras, despite widespread voter opposition, linking them to his broader tech alliance.
- The anti-data-center coalition is a cross-ideological movement, but its long-term impact on AI policy remains unclear.