Build American AI is launching a major ad campaign to counter rising opposition to data centers in key states like Kansas and Ohio.
AI Advocates Launch Major Ad Campaign Amid Growing Local Opposition
Build American AI is set to invest millions in an advertising campaign across Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin to advocate for the development of data centers. This effort is supported by the super PAC Leading the Future, which includes notable figures like Marc Andreessen and OpenAI President Greg Brockman.
As local opposition to data centers has escalated, with recent polling from the Annenberg Public Policy Center indicating that 61% of Americans now oppose new facilities in their communities—up from 49% earlier this year—the campaign aims to counteract what the organization describes as the influence of "the loudest and most extreme voices." While specific financial details of the campaign have not been disclosed, the investment is confirmed to be substantial.
The Annenberg Public Policy Center's survey, which polled 1,320 U.S. adults from mid-June to mid-July, revealed widespread discontent across party lines, with 69% of Democrats, 54% of Republicans, and 53% of independents expressing opposition to data center projects. Matthew Levendusky from the center noted that even among frequent AI users, concerns about local data centers are prevalent.
According to a recent survey by @APPCPenn, opposition to local #AI data centers has sharply increased in just four months, with three out of five Americans against them. Many believe that the government has not done enough to regulate AI.
The backlash against data centers is particularly pronounced in Ohio, where Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown is leveraging the issue against Republican Senator Jon Husted. Former President Donald Trump has also weighed in, suggesting that communities resisting data centers could become "backwards and poor," while asserting that such opposition pleases China.
In response to rising concerns, states like New York have placed a moratorium on new large-scale data centers, while Texas has suspended approvals for additional projects. This has resulted in approximately 75 planned data center projects, valued at around $130 billion, facing delays or cancellations in early 2026, raising alarms among lenders regarding potential credit risks.
Challenges for AI Infrastructure Expansion
Experts warn that increasing local resistance could significantly impede the growth of AI infrastructure, drawing parallels to the challenges previously encountered by Bitcoin miners. For instance, a lawsuit was filed by residents in Granbury, Texas, against a mining operation due to noise complaints, highlighting similar issues that may arise as Bitcoin miners transition to AI infrastructure.
As these miners adapt, they may find themselves facing comparable obstacles. Significant leases have already been signed, such as TeraWulf's $19 billion agreement with Anthropic for a 401-megawatt facility in Kentucky, and Hut 8's $9.8 billion commitment in Texas, indicating a substantial shift towards AI-focused operations.
