Voters in Seven States to Decide on Data Center Measures Amid AI Boom

<p>Voters across the United States will decide on 34 data center-related ballot measures this November, impacting the construction and operation of facilities that support the country's artificial intelligence (AI) sector. The states involved are California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Nevada, Ohio, and Wisconsin.</p><p>The measures arise as various states have considered or enacted restrictions on data center development, highlighting the growing political significance of these facilities. A national poll conducted by Fox News last month revealed that many voters are conflicted about the benefits of AI compared to the economic and environmental implications of data centers.</p><p>According to the poll, 71% of voters opposed building AI data centers in their local areas, with 46% expressing strong opposition. Additionally, 52% supported the construction of data centers in remote locations, while 44% opposed such measures.</p><p>The poll also indicated that 60% of voters held a negative view of AI, in contrast to 37% who viewed it positively, marking a significant increase in the negative sentiment since a previous poll in July. There was a noticeable partisan divide, with Republican voters more likely to have favorable views of AI, while Democrats tended to view it unfavorably.</p><p>This partisan split is reflected in the ongoing discussions about AI policy in Washington and during election campaigns. President Donald Trump has expressed opposition to extensive federal regulation of the AI sector, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to maintain its technological edge over China.</p><p>As the midterm elections approach, the debate surrounding AI and data centers is becoming increasingly prominent. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has paused new data center permits and grid connections pending a statewide audit, while his Democratic challenger, Gina Hinojosa, has advocated for temporary moratoriums on such projects.</p><p>In the Texas Senate race, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic state Representative James Talarico have engaged in discussions regarding tax incentives for data centers. Ohio is also seeing significant activity, with 20 data center-related measures on the ballot across 17 jurisdictions, the highest number of any state.</p><p>Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown has criticized Republican Senator Jon Husted regarding data center development, while Trump, campaigning for Husted, defended the economic potential of the industry, stating, "Look, there’s so much money to be made for Ohio, you can’t just turn them off."</p>