Community protests block $130 billion in data center projects in early 2026

Researchers report that from January through March 2026, protests blocked or delayed at least 75 data center projects nationwide, cumulatively valued at about $130 billion. This marks the highest three-month total since tracking began in 2023, driven by a structural shift rather than a temporary spike. Opposition groups have more than doubled to 833 across 49 states, as communities adopt an effective playbook and legislative uncertainty increases.