US data center ban votes
The gist
Voters in at least 29 US jurisdictions passed bans or restrictions on data centers.
The votes test how far local backlash can slow AI infrastructure buildout.
How it unfolded
- May 2026A Gallup poll found about 70% of Americans opposed construction of data centers in their local areas.
- Jun 17, 2026Residents in Los Angeles County's Monterey Park overwhelmingly voted to permanently ban data centers, becoming the first US city to do so.
- Sep 1, 2026The Ohio Supreme Court unanimously ordered Trenton, near Cincinnati, to let voters decide on a data center ban, and also ordered Ashville to submit petitions opposing an EdgeConneX project.