Voters back restrictions on data center projects in many local ballots

AI · First reported 2 Nov, 18:58 · Updated 13:22

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Local ballots across the United States produced widespread support for restricting data center development. In Ohio, measures to restrict facilities won or were projected to win across all 20 ballots reported in the article.

There were 45 data center-related ballot measures across 10 states; 33 measures to restrict facilities had passed and six more were projected to pass as of early Wednesday.
The measures included bans, temporary moratoriums, energy-use limits and requirements for public approval before projects proceed.
In Ohio, measures to restrict data centers had won or were projected to win on all 20 ballots; Urbana and Hubbard voters supported bans by 76% and 77%, respectively.

Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles

Key facts

Ballot measures: 45 measures in 10 states.
Reported outcomes: 33 restrictions had passed and six more were projected to pass as of early Wednesday.
Ohio ballots: Restrictions had won or were projected to win in all 20 instances reported.
Urbana and Hubbard: Voters supported data center bans by 76% and 77%, respectively.
Exit poll: 56% said AI and data centers were a crucial or major factor in their congressional vote.