A new report by the Data Center Watch says activists opposed to the growth and development of data centers like those planned in Oklahoma have managed to delay or stop an estimated $64 billion in centers across the U.S.
Some groups in Oklahoma are among those reported by the organization in its newly-released report. They were described as “emerging” opposition groups and were not identified by name.
“$64 billion in U.S. data center projects have been blocked or delayed by a growing wave of local, bipartisan opposition. What was once quiet infrastructure is now a national flashpoint — and communities are pushing back,” declared the report. It concluded that data centers have become the new NIMBY flashpoint in the country….Not in My Backyard.
The study found that $18 billion worth of data center projects were blocked and another $46 billion in projects were delayed over the last two years in the face of opposition from residents and activist groups. It cited at least two such activist groups in Oklahoma. The study also reported there are at least 142 such activist groups across 24 states organizing to block data center construction and expansion.
The study concluded:
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Opposition to data center construction is largely motivated by local concerns. While the exact reasons opponents cite vary from location to location, some common themes are higher utility bills, water consumption, noise, impact on property value, and green space preservation.
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Data center projects that involve building their own power supplies are likely to attract additional opposition related to energy-generating infrastructure.
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A recent survey shows that while a majority of Americans support data center construction in the abstract, most are skeptical of projects in their communities.
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The backlash to data center development is bipartisan and does not follow the typical ideological fault lines of American politics. There have been projects blocked in red states and blue states, and there are both Republican and Democratic officials opposing new projects.
Among the projects actually blocked was one in Missouri.
2 – Peculiar, Missouri. $ 1.5 billion. Harper Road Technology Park, Diode Ventures. — Blocked (Local authorities amended zoning to prohibit data centers)
Diode Ventures’ $1.5 billion proposal faced opposition from the group “Don’t Dump Data in Peculiar,” which raised concerns about the project’s visual impact, noise, and effects on property values. In response to grassroots pushback in June 2024, the Peculiar Board of Aldermen sent the proposal back to the planning committee in August for reconsideration. On October 3, 2024, Peculiar’s Planning Commission Board announced an ordinance to remove data centers from the city’s zoning ordinance, beginning October 17, effectively blocking Diode Ventures’ project.
And among projects described as delayed was on in north Texas.
11 – Fort Worth, Texas. $750 million. WUSF 5 Rock Creek East — Delayed
The Fort Worth Zoning Commission narrowly voted against a proposed $750 million Rock Creek Data Center Campus on July 11, 2024. Local opposition raised concerns about traffic, light pollution, and noise. However, on September 12, the Fort Worth City Council approved zoning for the project despite the Zoning Commission’s recommendation against it. The project is still not ready to proceed, as additional regulatory hurdles remain, and ongoing opposition may cause further delays in its implementation.
Current Status: As of March 2025, despite securing City Council approval, the company must still submit a site plan for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Additionally, it must address concerns about compliance with city water regulations—key issues where local opposition has vowed to intervene against the project.
