Voters deliver 'AI earthquake' as data centre limits sweep US ballots

Voters deliver 'AI earthquake' as data centre limits sweep US ballots

Voters deliver 'AI earthquake' as data centre limits sweep US ballots

American voters pushed back against the rapid spread of artificial intelligence data centres in Tuesday's elections, approving dozens of local bans and limits on new sites. Initial counts put about two dozen of 41 such measures across 10 states on course to pass, with at least 29 jurisdictions backing restrictions, including 14 towns in Ohio. Voters also backed candidates who favour slowing the huge buildout, including in Texas, the centre of the boom, where concerns over power, water and rising bills helped drive the backlash. Supporters of the limits say communities should have a say before giant facilities arrive; the industry warns delays could slow AI growth.

American voters pushed back against the rapid spread of artificial intelligence data centres in Tuesday's elections, approving dozens of local bans and limits on new sites. Initial counts put about two dozen of 41 such measures across 10 states on course to pass, with at least 29 jurisdictions backing restrictions, including 14 towns in Ohio. Voters also backed candidates who favour slowing the huge buildout, including in Texas, the centre of the boom, where concerns over power, water and rising bills helped drive the backlash. Supporters of the limits say communities should have a say before giant facilities arrive; the industry warns delays could slow AI growth.

American voters pushed back against the rapid spread of artificial intelligence data centres in Tuesday's elections, approving dozens of local bans and limits on new sites. Initial counts put about two dozen of 41 such measures across 10 states on course to pass, with at least 29 jurisdictions backing restrictions, including 14 towns in Ohio. Voters also backed candidates who favour slowing the huge buildout, including in Texas, the centre of the boom, where concerns over power, water and rising bills helped drive the backlash. Supporters of the limits say communities should have a say before giant facilities arrive; the industry warns delays could slow AI growth.