Breaking

Over 300 U.S. data center bans and pauses, 75-plus more weighed

June 26, 2026 at 16:30 EDT

Infra & Chips
Policy & Regulation

More than 300 bans or moratoriums on data center development have been enacted by U.S. state and local governments, with over 75 more under consideration. Resistance is spreading nationwide against a surge in large-scale construction driven by the AI boom.

Since 2023 · US State & Local Government

300+ Bans and Moratoriums Are Hitting the US Data Center Boom

As the AI surge drives hyperscale construction, local pushback over power draw, water use and grid strain is spreading nationwide — with at least 75 more measures now under consideration.

300+

Bans & moratoriums imposed since 2023

75+

Additional measures under consideration

$64B

Projects blocked or delayed so far

Trackers measure different scopes

Figures vary by sample and criteria — three parallel tallies of the wave.

300+

Bans / moratoriums
state · county · municipal

Active moratoriums
38 states affected

State-level actions
active · advancing · in talks

Proponents argue

Data centers bring job creation and tax revenue to local communities.

Opponents argue

Rising electricity prices, heavy water use, noise and grid strain burden residents.

Moratoriums in practice — duration ranges from months to years

1 year

Denver, CO

Year-end

Oklahoma City, OK

3 years

Huron County, MI

Unanimous

Monterey Park, CA · bipartisan ban

The scale of power and water demand from AI-focused facilities is a new feature of local opposition — making the balance of AI infrastructure and community interests a defining issue ahead.

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