Opposition to data center construction has reached unprecedented levels in early 2026, with over $130 billion worth of projects delayed or cancelled across the United States. This surge in resistance, documented in a new report by research firm Data Center Watch, has seen active opposition groups double from 396 to 833 in just the first three months of the year.
Community Concerns Drive Project Cancellations
One notable example occurred in Wake County, North Carolina, where Natelli Investments withdrew its annexation and rezoning applications for a 190-acre data center campus following public outcry. Residents raised concerns about water use, air quality impacts, and increased infrastructure costs. "When they make infrastructure improvements, who does that cost go to? It doesn’t go to the developer," said local resident Lorraine McAvoy. "It goes to the people, the consumers of the utility."
Opposition to data centers—it’s now part of a mainstream conversation. This is part of the general narrative of American politics.
Economic and Environmental Costs
The growing dissent comes amid projections that data center expansion could drive a 6% to 29% increase in wholesale electricity costs by the end of the decade, with annual environmental and public health costs estimated at $25 billion. Polling from Heatmap Pro shows that seven in 10 Americans now oppose data centers built near their homes.
National Advocacy Gains Momentum
Opposition has expanded beyond local grassroots efforts, with national organizations like Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and the NAACP joining a 500-group coalition against unfettered data center construction. This shift coincides with projects moving into rural areas, where residents have less experience with large-scale developments, leading to heated hearings and early mobilization against proposed sites.
As the debate over data centers continues to shape American politics, developers and policymakers face mounting challenges in balancing technological advancement with community interests.