In its October 16 report, Nomura noted that if the US forms a divided government, major federal legislation targeting AI models or nationwide regulations governing data center construction are unlikely. However, current policy actions regarding data center construction are primarily at the state level, with governors and state legislatures increasingly involved in electricity pricing, water usage, licensing, and AI safeguards.
Texas Governor Abbott recently suspended new state-level data center permits pending review of the projects' impact on the power grid. The state's Democratic gubernatorial candidate has also criticized data center tax breaks and included related costs as a campaign issue. Both Ohio gubernatorial candidates have proposed limiting data center construction, and some localities will hold referendums on strengthening data center regulations.
Given the geographical concentration of projects, Nomura cautioned to pay attention to the gubernatorial elections in key states such as Texas, Ohio, New Mexico, and Georgia.
