Q2 2026: Data Center Watch Report
TL;DR: At least 45 projects worth $68 billion were disrupted by local opposition in Q2 2026, sustaining the elevated level of project disruption seen in Q1. At the same time, states intensified efforts to tighten data center regulation. Opposition became more local and project-specific, increasingly targeting permitting, infrastructure, and individual policy decisions as regulatory scrutiny expanded across 49 states.
Research Timeline: April 2026 - June 2026.
Key Takeaways:
Q2 2026 sustained the surge in blocked and delayed projects. At least 45 projects valued at nearly $68 billion were blocked or delayed in a single quarter, as well as persistent opposition to projects that had been delayed in Q1 or earlier.
Communities imposed moratoriums preemptively. Communities nationwide imposed data center development moratoriums, often preemptively before developers expressed interest or filed permit applications.
Legislative activity accelerated until the end of the 2026 session. Thirty statehouses introduced, and many adopted, legislation, resolutions, or executive actions addressing data center siting, electricity and water constraints, and infrastructure cost-sharing. As communities call for local, state, and national politicians to respond to developments in their communities, data centers will play a bigger role in national elections.
Purchase Options:
Data Center Watch: Q2 2026 Insights Report: A 10-slide visual presentation summarizing Data Center Watch's Q1-2026 findings, designed for general audiences.
Direct purchase at this link
Data Center Watch Report: Q2 2026 In-Depth Analysis: A detailed report with full project-level data, case studies, and political analysis.
Reach out for pricing and purchase information at info@datacenterwatch.org
Contact: info@datacenterwatch.org