HANFORD, Calif. — Darian Orduno attended a community meeting opposing a proposed data center, voicing concerns about potential pollution affecting her infant son’s health. Her worries reflect a broader sentiment among local residents regarding the impact of data centers on air quality and water supply. Approximately 100 residents gathered in late August to discuss the facility proposed for the local fairgrounds, expressing fears that it could exacerbate existing environmental issues.
Nationwide, opposition to data centers is growing, uniting voters from both political parties as tech companies submit numerous proposals across the country. This issue has emerged as a significant topic in the midterm elections, influencing swing voters and potentially affecting turnout.
In California's 22nd District, which features a competitive congressional race, the extent to which data center concerns will sway voter decisions remains uncertain. Hanford Mayor Mark Kairis noted the escalating anxiety surrounding data centers, stating, "It’s a very emotionally charged issue right now."
The demand for data centers has surged alongside the growth of artificial intelligence, with over 1,500 new centers in development across the U.S. as of April, according to a Pew Research Center analysis. These facilities require substantial cooling, which leads to high water and power consumption, raising environmental concerns and potential utility cost increases for consumers. While data centers create jobs, their impact on local communities is a point of contention.
Democrats view the backlash against data centers as aligning with their messaging on affordability, advocating for regulation, albeit with varying degrees of aggressiveness. Conversely, Republicans face challenges in addressing public concerns while supporting AI innovation. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged negative polling on data centers but emphasized the importance of American industrial development. Former President Trump argued that rejecting data centers could hinder progress.
Camille Crittenden, executive director of the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society, noted that opposition to data centers reflects broader anxieties about AI's growing presence in society. Lucy Gomez, a retired teacher, expressed her fears, stating, "I feel like we’re being guinea pigs when we don’t want to be."
California lawmakers have responded to public outcry by passing legislation to regulate energy use in the data center industry. The state ranks third in the number of data centers, with 54 new facilities planned as of April.
The issue has gained traction in other states, with gubernatorial candidates in New York and Texas implementing temporary moratoriums on new data centers. A memo from the Republican senatorial campaign arm highlighted the importance of data center discussions in the close race between Ohio GOP Sen. Jon Husted and former Sen. Sherrod Brown.
A poll conducted by the Economist and YouGov in late August found that 61% of Americans would oppose a data center being built in their vicinity, with significant opposition from Democrats and independents, as well as 47% of Republicans.
Political science professor David McCuan noted that the data center debate encapsulates voters' frustrations in struggling California communities. The proposed center at the Kings County fairgrounds is part of a broader initiative by Global Stack USA to enhance emergency infrastructure while providing financial support to fairgrounds. CEO Dan Kang stated the goal is to improve emergency response capabilities without significant environmental impact.
In the congressional race, Democratic nominee Randy Villegas has received inquiries about data centers from constituents and has proposed a moratorium to allow time for regulatory measures. Incumbent Republican Rep. David Valadao emphasized the need for a responsible approach to data center construction, balancing economic benefits with community concerns.
Attendees at the Hanford meeting, representing various age groups, indicated that the data center issue would influence their midterm voting decisions, with many leaning toward Democratic candidates due to perceived stronger public health protections.