Data Center Projects Face 'Unprecedented Surge' in Blocks and Delays: Study
Summary
Data center projects in the U.S. faced a high number of delays and blocks in early 2026, with about 75 projects worth $130 billion affected in just three months. Opposition to these projects has grown quickly, spreading to nearly all states and focusing on concerns like energy use and community impacts.Key Facts
- At least 75 data center projects were blocked or delayed in the first quarter of 2026.
- These projects represent about $130 billion in investment.
- Opposition groups against data centers increased from 396 at the end of 2025 to 833 by March 2026.
- Opposition groups exist in 49 states across the U.S.
- More than 300 state-level bills related to data centers were introduced in early 2026.
- 14 states proposed statewide moratoriums to pause new data center construction.
- Communities have raised issues about electricity use, water demand, noise, and local benefits of data centers.
- New York paused the building of large data centers for one year due to concerns including energy costs and environmental impacts.
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