Data center backlash building from both sides of the political spectrum

Both Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Democratic Socialist from Vermont, and Gov. Ron DeSantis, a conservative Republican from Florida, have spoken out recently against the AI-driven data center boom.

Criticism from both ends of the political spectrum indicates broad concern over the fast-paced rate of data center construction and growing resistance against it. If opposition becomes widespread, it could slow the industry’s development plans.

Sanders has called for a national moratorium on data center construction, and DeSantis introduced an AI “bill of rights” to protect Florida communities’ right to block data center construction, along with other measures. Much of the pushback is centered on rising utility bills believed to be at least partially triggered by increased power demand from data centers. Higher utility costs played a key role in the landslide victory of Democrat Abigail Spanberger in the governor’s race last year in Virginia, the world’s largest data center market, according to a CNBC report.

Residential electricity prices are forecast to rise 4% on average nationwide in 2026 after increasing about 5% in 2025, CNBC reported. The possibility of increased brownouts and blackouts is also a source of concern.