At least 48 data center projects worth approximately $156 billion have been blocked or stalled by local opposition, tracking by Data Center Watch and Carbon Direct shows. Cancellations increased from six in 2024 to 25 in 2025, with more than 20 additional cancellations logged in early 2026. Active opposition groups reached 833 across 49 states by March 2026, citing electricity demand, water consumption, noise, air quality and opaque permitting. From January 2024 through May 2026, 46 AI data center projects across 20 states, representing investments of between $137 billion and $172 billion, were stalled, blocked or withdrawn. A $14 billion Tract project in Arizona was withdrawn, while a $24.7 billion QTS/Compass project in Virginia faced lawsuits from residents. New York announced a halt on large new data center facility proposals in July 2026, while other municipalities adopted moratoriums and stricter zoning rules. Google, Microsoft and Amazon are expanding AI infrastructure while confronting more difficult site selection. Developers may need to increase community engagement and environmental mitigation, pursue less-populated locations, or deploy technologies such as efficient cooling and on-site power generation. The rising cancellation rate suggests community opposition is expanding faster than the industry’s response.