Americans down on data centers

Time -   Recent polls have strongly reflected many Americans’ dislike of data centers. A Gallup poll from May found that 71% of Americans would oppose a data center in their area. Voters have sent early warning shots that they are willing to choose their local leaders based on the issue. In the small town of Festus, Missouri, residents ousted half their city council after those members approved a $6 billion data center development.

.Activists are trying to capitalize on the threat of the election to strong-arm politicians into supporting anti-data center measures. In Arizona, following intense lobbying from both sides, Governor Katie Hobbs just signed a state budget that includes a three-year moratorium on data centers receiving tax breaks. The measure represents a major victory for a raucous anti-data center movement across the state, which had previously included protests in Chandler and Ahwatukee.