Overview
- Intense public resistance, local bans and moratoriums are actively slowing or reshaping many proposed AI data‑center projects across the United States.
- Utilities and grid operators are reviewing large connection requests and test failures for stability risks after simulations showed abrupt demand swings that could trip thousands of megawatts.
- Developers are proposing multi‑gigawatt campuses that can demand vast amounts of power and millions of gallons of water for cooling, with one Hood County proposal claiming up to 3 gigawatts at full capacity.
- Cities and counties are split: Monterey Park voters approved a citywide ban while some jurisdictions like Box Elder County have approved large campuses and face referendums or legal challenges.
- Policymakers and analysts are urging fixes — interruptible‑load contracts, large‑load tariff reforms, closed‑loop cooling and proportional host‑community payments — but those measures have not been widely adopted and transparency gaps remain.