Investor Chamath Palihapitiya warned that continued political conflict over AI data centers could cost the United States 200 to 300 basis points of annual GDP. He cited backlash in Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania as early signs of a dispute that could spread nationwide. The controversy has intensified over higher electricity rates, with Palihapitiya arguing that costly reactors and shifting large power users off the grid could increase bills for other consumers. About one in six U.S. households is struggling to pay utility bills, while the Department of Energy projects data centers could consume up to 15.3% of the country’s power supply by 2030. The Energy Information Administration counted up to 250 data centers in Ohio, where residential electricity prices have risen 175% since 2005. A March 2026 Gallup survey found that 7 in 10 Americans oppose AI data centers near their homes. Governors and politicians from both parties are tightening their stance: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is seeking stricter standards, Texas has paused projects and threatened to rescind more than $1 billion in tax breaks, and New York has imposed a one-year moratorium on large facilities. AI-focused super PACs have raised $107 million and spent $55.5 million on federal races this election cycle. President Trump said data centers could use public-relations help but otherwise backed them, while Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, xAI, OpenAI and Amazon have signed his ratepayer-protection pledge requiring companies to cover their own power and grid costs.