New Governors Pledge Data Center Pauses as 38 Restrictions Pass

Incoming governors in seven states campaigned to stop or delay data-center construction or extend existing pauses, while voters approved 38 restrictions across 10 states in the midterm election.

In Ohio, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico and Texas, incoming governors campaigned on stopping or delaying statewide construction. New governors in New York and Oregon pledged to extend pauses already in place.

Separately, 46 local ballot measures had passed or were expected to pass, with at least 17 directly prohibiting large data centers. The local votes follow earlier data-center ballot measures.