Data center health concerns fuel opposition in Ohio and Arizona midterms

CBS Technology reported that opposition to the rapid growth of data centers in states like Ohio and Arizona is mobilizing voters and shaping midterm election campaigns.

In Page, Arizona, residents such as Doug Herrera express concerns about potential health risks from a proposed $10 billion mega data center, citing issues like light and sound pollution and rising temperatures.

The City Council in Page approved land sales for the data center, but the developer still requires zoning and other approvals, with residents actively petitioning against construction due to health fears.

Emerging research into possible health effects of data centers is influencing political debates, with some Democrats and Republicans opposing new centers, even in traditionally red states like Ohio and Texas where many data centers operate.

Political science experts note that grassroots opposition has rapidly emerged over the past two years, challenging prior decisions to expand data center construction without organized resistance.