According to the Data Centers on the Ballot tracker, localities in about 13 states put data center questions to voters in the midterms, ranging from permanent bans to moratoriums, limits based on size or consumption, and votes on specific projects. Early results show 33 measures restricting development have already won and six more are leading. Only one, in Harwood, North Dakota, which added a review step for industrial projects, failed.
A second tracker of about 46 measures in 10 states shows all 33 restrictive measures set to pass, and 11 of 13 measures meant to permit construction set to be defeated. In Piqua, Ohio, and Yukon, Oklahoma, recall votes tied to data centers also removed mayors and council members.
It is unclear whether the results will affect projects already under way. According to the article, of more than 300 local bans already enacted across the US, only three developments totaling 2.3 gigawatts have been delayed, and 38 gigawatts are expected to come online by 2027.