At least 45 data center projects valued at nearly $68 billion were blocked or delayed by local opposition between April and June, according to Data Center Watch. The projects represented more than half of the new large-scale developments tracked by the group during the second quarter.

Data Center Watch counted 843 opposition groups across 49 states, with Hawaii the only state without one. About 30 statehouses have introduced or adopted measures addressing data center siting, electricity use, water consumption and infrastructure costs.

The resistance follows an even larger wave of disruptions during the first quarter, when at least 75 projects worth approximately $130 billion were blocked or delayed. Data Center Watch described the increase in opposition as a broader shift toward organized local resistance and regulatory action.

Public opinion also reflects concerns surrounding new AI infrastructure. A March Gallup survey found that 70% of Americans opposed building an AI data center in their local area, including 48% who were strongly opposed. Barely a quarter favored such projects, while 7% strongly favored them.

The industry continues to argue that demand for computing capacity remains strong. CoreWeave CEO Michael Intrator said opposition could move projects to other jurisdictions rather than eliminate demand, adding that “ultimately the data center will be built and delivered because the market signals are for that to happen.”

The growing dispute is bringing data centers into local and state policy debates as officials weigh infrastructure demands against continued investment in AI technology.