AI Coalition Pledges to Shield $200 Billion Data Center Pipeline as Midterm Backlash Grows
Updated
Updated · Financial Times · Sep 30
AI Coalition Pledges to Shield $200 Billion Data Center Pipeline as Midterm Backlash Grows
3 articles · Updated · Financial Times · Sep 30
Summary
The AI Infrastructure Coalition will unveil community pledges on Wednesday requiring members to cover data-center energy costs, curb water use, support schools and hospitals, and prioritize local hiring.
The move targets a fast-growing political backlash: more than 1,000 US communities have pursued moratoriums or other limits this year, affecting over 100 projects worth a combined $200 billion in the first half of 2026.
Polling cited by the coalition shows voters in both parties have turned more negative on nearby data centers, making the issue salient in November midterm races and prompting candidates such as Mike Rogers and Ken Paxton to oppose new projects or subsidies.
Trump has resisted calls from parts of his Maga base to curb construction, and after meeting tech executives this week said companies had agreed to work with local communities as the Senate weighs making AI companies bear higher power costs.