Voters favored limits on data center development in 40 of 41 local contests tracked by Ballotpedia during the November 3, 2026, US midterms. The measures ranged from complete bans to limits on larger facilities, temporary pauses and requirements for voter approval.
Industry experts told Cointelegraph that Bitcoin miners with power already secured could have an edge in moving into AI data centers, but power alone is not enough. Such a shift also requires investment in cooling, networking and reliable electricity, and local rules may prevent sites from expanding or upgrading. The experts said Congress could scrutinize who pays for grid upgrades, but that scrutiny would not necessarily discourage data center development.
