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$64 Billion in Data Center Projects Delayed by Activists

11/14/2025

28 5 Full Breakdown

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Data Centers Delayed

The study found 16 data center projects totaling $64 billion faced delays due to local opposition.
In Arizona, Tract withdrew a $14 billion project after failing to secure rezoning; in Virginia, 42 activist groups opposed developments.
From March to June 2025, $98 billion in projects were blocked or delayed, highlighting rising local resistance to data centers amid scrutiny of energy costs.

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Indiana Coalition Advocates Moratorium

A coalition in Indiana is pushing for a moratorium on new data centers, citing rising electricity costs.
In Wisconsin, We Energies plans to invest more than $5.5 billion, driven largely by data centers, with customers paying 75%.
A proposed bill would increase transparency of data centers' water and energy use to address environmental concerns.
As of November 2025, Wisconsin hosts 46 data centers with anticipated further developments.

History

Historical Context

In 2025, opposition to data centers intensified, with Indiana's coalition pushing for a moratorium and Arizona's Tract halting a $14 billion project due to rezoning issues. This resistance echoes the 1970s energy crisis, which sparked public backlash against energy-intensive industries. The current activism highlights a growing demand for environmental accountability and community engagement in energy-related developments.

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Data Centers Delayed

The study found 16 data center projects totaling $64 billion faced delays due to local opposition.
In Arizona, Tract withdrew a $14 billion project after failing to secure rezoning; in Virginia, 42 activist groups opposed developments.
From March to June 2025, $98 billion in projects were blocked or delayed, highlighting rising local resistance to data centers amid scrutiny of energy costs.

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