The construction of AI data centers in the United States is facing increasingly strong local resistance. During the US midterm elections, 21 referendums were held in 18 districts of Ohio concerning data center construction, with many proposals calling for a ban on large-scale data center construction, restrictions on electricity consumption, or higher approval thresholds. Residents are primarily concerned that data centers consume large amounts of electricity and water, driving up local electricity prices and increasing the burden on infrastructure.
Ohio is also a major destination for AI infrastructure investment in the US. SoftBank's SB Energy is collaborating with OpenAI and Nvidia to plan and build the PORTS-Pike AI data center campus in the state, with a total capacity of 8GW. The first phase is planned for 4.25GW, with phased operation expected to begin in 2028. If fully completed, the project is expected to become one of the world's largest AI data center campuses.
If local restrictions are passed, they could further increase the costs of site selection, power supply, and approval for data center projects, making local regulation a significant constraint on the expansion of AI infrastructure in the United States.
