Protesters Block $130 Billion in Data Center Projects in Early 2026

In the first quarter of 2026, protesters blocked or delayed at least 75 data center projects worth about $130 billion across the United States, the highest number in a three-month period since tracking began in 2023. Researchers attribute this to a structural shift, with communities adopting an effective opposition playbook and legislative uncertainty increasing. The number of active opposition groups has more than doubled to 833 in 49 states, signaling a sustained trend rather than a temporary spike.