Local opposition blocked $68 billion worth of data center projects in the second quarter of 2026 — data center investments reportedly still on track to hit $32 trillion by 2050
The report says 30 state houses have implemented rules on data center location and resource consumption, with communities pursuing moratoriums on planned construction even before developers apply for permits. In July this year, 142 AI data center protests were simultaneously staged across 42 states in one weekend. Data Center Watch’s research estimates that there are 843 opposition groups across all U.S. states except Hawaii.One leading concern is the environmental impact of AI data centers.
- ▪The report says 30 state houses have implemented rules on data center location and resource consumption, with communities pursuing moratoriums on planned construction even before developers apply for permits.
- ▪In July this year, 142 AI data center protests were simultaneously staged across 42 states in one weekend.
- ▪Data Center Watch’s research estimates that there are 843 opposition groups across all U.S. states except Hawaii.One leading concern is the environmental impact of AI data centers.
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| Original publisher | Tom's Hardware |
| Canonical URL | https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/data-centers/local-opposition-blocked-usd68-billion-worth-of-data-center-projects-in-the-second-quarter-of-2026-data-center-investments-reportedly-still-on-track-to-hit-usd32-trillion-by-2050 |
| Publication time | Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:00:00 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-21T16:03:49.647Z |
| Last seen | 2026-09-21T16:03:49.647Z |
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Tech Industry Data Centers Local opposition blocked $68 billion worth of data center projects in the second quarter of 2026 — data center investments reportedly still on track to hit $32 trillion by 2050 News By Etiido Uko Published 21 September 2026 Trump says opposing communities "want to end up being backwards and poor." When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Getty Images) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Local opposition blocked or delayed $68 billion in data center projects between April and June this year, according to a September 21 Bloomberg…
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