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America’s data center boom is sparking a political firestorm. The U.S. now has more than 3,000 operational data centers, with 1,500 more in the pipeline—but local residents aren’t thrilled. Polls show strong opposition: 65% of voters in a Quinnipiac survey said no to new centers in their communities, and only about a third support them.

Lawmakers are responding fast. Nearly 700 state bills have been introduced on data centers, with 108 becoming law. Fourteen states are even debating moratoriums, including Maine, where Governor Mills recently vetoed a temporary halt to construction. Florida Governor DeSantis wants to give communities veto power over new projects, block taxpayer subsidies, and stop utilities from passing data-center energy costs to consumers. Energy concerns are driving legislation in 80 states bills—and a bipartisan federal proposal mirrors the same push.

The fight isn’t just in the legislature—it’s in advertising. Over $20 million has already been spent on ads mentioning data centers this election cycle. Meta alone plans to spend $65 million on pro-data-center campaigns this year.

As digital infrastructure expands, so does the controversy. Data centers are no longer just tech hubs—they’re political lightning rods.