More US cities pause data centers amid backlash over costs, environment
According to a report from Stateline, cities and counties across the United States have recently blocked or paused planned data center projects in response to local backlash over rising electricity prices and environmental harms. The Denver City Council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center permits while it drafts regulations. Oklahoma City and Tulsa also approved temporary pauses, though major existing projects in Tulsa will proceed. Smaller communities including Bloomington and Normal in Illinois, Morgan County, Huron County in Michigan, Camden County in Georgia, and Chatham and Orange counties in North Carolina have enacted moratoriums of varying lengths. However, Cheyenne, Wyoming, chose not to proceed with a proposed one-year moratorium after a lengthy public hearing. A Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study estimated data centers used 4.4% of U.S. electricity in 2023, with projected use rising to between 6.7% and 12% by 2028. A March Gallup poll found that seven in 10 Americans would oppose living near an AI data center, a higher share than the 53% who opposed living near a nuclear power plant.
What’s reported
Denver City Council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data centers, halting new zoning permits and site development plans.
Oklahoma City approved a moratorium until the end of 2026 or until the city updates its zoning code.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, approved a temporary stop on new data center construction, but major projects already in the pipeline will be allowed.
Bloomington and Normal, Illinois, approved six-month moratoriums in May; Morgan County took the same action in April.
Huron County, Michigan, approved a three-year moratorium, joining about 20 other Michigan communities that have paused data center construction.
Camden County, Georgia, enacted a six-month moratorium earlier in May, becoming the first coastal community in the state to do so.
Chatham County, North Carolina, paused in February; Orange County (including Chapel Hill) paused in April.
Cheyenne, Wyoming, opted not to proceed with a one-year moratorium after a lengthy public hearing.
A Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study estimated U.S. data centers used 4.4% of U.S. electricity in 2023, projected to reach 6.7% to 12% by 2028.
A March Gallup poll found 70% of Americans would oppose nearby AI data center construction, compared to 53% for a nuclear power plant.
Conflicting accounts
The article presents opposing views: supporters of pauses cite electricity use, energy costs, and nuisance issues, while industry supporters argue data centers bring jobs, tax revenue, and are essential digital infrastructure. Not all cities are pausing; Cheyenne opted against a moratorium.
Sources: stateline.org
