Bruce Mehlman’s blog has a great analysis of what is happening with the massive and all-of-a-sudden resistance to data centers. As public opinion has turned decisively negative, so have laws and regulations restricting their expansion.

This chart shows how public opinion towards data centers turned negative… quickly.

This chart shows that the number of active data-center opposition groups more than doubled in Q1 2026.

This map shows state and local government restrictions proliferated in 2026: so far 14 states have considered bans (13 failed, while the NY bill passed but may be vetoed by the governor). Many more states are considering tax and energy cost measures, and more than 100 local moratoriums have passed.

Most of the restrictions, prohibitions, and regulations on data centers have come in east coast blue and purple states, but opposition is now rising in red states.

The tech industry has a major PR problem with grassroots America that could cost AI companies hundreds of billions of lost revenues if voter anxiety reversed. Just in recent weeks Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation in business friendly Texas to restrict data centers.