How AI data center outrage is becoming a bipartisan rallying cry in the midterm elections

Summary

This CNBC video reports that public and political backlash against AI data centers has become a bipartisan issue ahead of the 2026 midterms. Concerns include water usage, higher electricity bills, and job impacts, prompting state and federal lawmakers to push stricter standards or campaign against projects. AI companies such as Microsoft and OpenAI are responding with community pledges.

• Public opinion on AI data centers is negative over water use, power costs, and job fears.
• Liquid Death and Garage Beer run an ad campaign criticizing data center water consumption.
• Florida Rep. Byron Donalds introduced a bill to put data center investment costs on private developers.
• Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order requiring local support, self-generated power, and water/air protections.
• Texas and Ohio races show bipartisan data center backlash; the NRSC memo calls it a sleeper issue.
• Ohio's Pike County has a proposed 10 GW data center campus that could cost more than $500 billion.
• Microsoft and OpenAI have made pledges on energy, water, and local jobs to ease community concerns.