US Midterms 2026: Data Centres Spark National Backlash

Data centres are exploding in number and scale, with 12,250 worldwide—up from 8,000 in 2021 ^[1]. The US leads with 4,767 sites, dwarfing Europe and China in capacity, as tech giants race to power AI services like ChatGPT and Grok. The world’s largest operational site, China Telecom’s Hohhot facility, spans one million square metres—equivalent to 140 football pitches. Yet even larger projects are underway, including Colossus 2, which will house hundreds of thousands of Nvidia AI chips and is reported to be used to train xAI's chatbot Grok, according to.

Environmental concerns are mounting. Data centres consume more electricity than France and are straining local grids, raising fears over carbon emissions and water use for cooling ^[1]. In the US, 16 states have proposed bans or moratoriums on new facilities, turning the issue into a flashpoint in the 3 November midterms. Both Republicans and Democrats are now opposing expansion, despite President Donald Trump dismissing the backlash as a 'sick conspiracy'.

Critics warn that rural land is being swallowed by massive facilities, while noise, power demands, and pollution threaten communities. In the UK, France, Mexico, and Indonesia, opposition is growing ^[1]. Yet supporters argue data centres boost local economies, create jobs, and enhance national security, with hyperscale sites like Amazon’s having a stronger impact than colocation facilities.

The tech industry is investing $765bn in AI infrastructure in 2026, expected to top $1tn in 2027 ^[1]. As pressure mounts, innovators are exploring alternatives—space-based data centres and on-device AI processing could one day reduce reliance on sprawling warehouses.

What happens next? The outcome of the midterms may determine whether the AI revolution continues unchecked—or faces its first major regulatory reckoning. The story was first reported by BBC News.