Data Center · White House · Donald Trump · Axios
Friction point: Outright moratoriums and bans can be viewed as anti-growth or progress
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This isn't a red or blue state problem.
Key facts
- A bill pausing development until Nov. 2027 is expected to clear the state Senate and be signed by Gov
- Money quote: "Maine is the canary in the coal mine," Anirban Basu, chief economist for trade group Associated Builders and Contractors, told the Wall Street Journal
- Data centers have become a boxy, hulking flashpoint heading into the midterms, and the backlash is spreading fast across red and blue states
- With no federal action, states are fielding constituent anger over power grids, water supplies and strained local infrastructure
Summary
Data centers have become a boxy, hulking flashpoint heading into the midterms, and the backlash is spreading fast across red and blue states. With no federal action, states are fielding constituent anger over power grids, water supplies and strained local infrastructure. At least 11 states have proposed some legislation to restrict or ban data center development since late 2025. Maine is on track to be the first to ban construction outright. Another dozen states have seen local pushback or enacted restrictions tackling environmental concerns, consumer data or energy bills.