DECRYPT · 2026-11-04 18:46 UTC

US Voters Back AI Data Center Restrictions in At Least 29 Communities

Voters in at least 29 U.S. jurisdictions approved bans or restrictions on data-center development on November 3, with Ohio showing the strongest backlash - all 10 charter measures passed and voters in multiple towns approved restrictions with 78-82% margins. Concerns driving opposition include high electricity demand affecting utility bills and grid capacity, plus water use and noise impacts; AI companies are responding with rebranding efforts and lobbying to counter negative perception. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink warned that broad data-center moratoriums could trigger recession, while some…

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