People Are Protesting AI Data Centers, and It’s Scrambling Political Lines
January 26, 2026 | Source: NPR.org | by Deepa Shivaram
Demand for more artificial intelligence has led to a rapid growth of AI data centers — and lots of concerned citizens. The politicians aren’t far behind.
In recent months, protesters in Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and other states have shut down proposals for new building sites. A town in Wisconsin is even trying to oust its mayor after approval of a data center there.
The large-scale facilities are necessary to match the electricity demand required for AI, but high energy costs come with them, angering residents.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, won her election last year in part by talking about higher energy bills in the state. And the issue is growing in importance for this year’s midterm elections, even getting on the White House’s radar.
“I do think this is going to be a big issue in our politics throughout this year and probably for the foreseeable future,” said Brendan Steinhauser, the CEO of the Alliance for Secure AI, a group pushing for more AI safeguards.