Technology
U.S. state lawmakers introduce record volume of data center legislation
Legislative proposals aimed at data centers have surged in 2026 amid rising public pushback against technology companies.
The short version
- U.S. state legislatures have introduced at least 375 data center-related bills in 2026 as of mid-July.
- The legislative push marks a steady rise from 54 bills in 2023, 75 in 2024, and 243 in 2025.
- The surge in policy activity reflects growing public concern and shifting political attitudes toward the impact of artificial intelligence and tech infrastructure.
- It remains to be seen how many of these state-level regulatory proposals will pass into law.
Key facts
- State lawmakers in the U.S. introduced 375 bills related to data centers in 2026 through July 15, according to LegiScan data and reporting by The Washington Post.[The Washington Post]
- Data center legislative introductions have increased annually, rising from 54 in 2023 to 75 in 2024 and 243 in 2025.[The Washington Post]
- The increase in legislative proposals is driven by shifting political dynamics and growing public opposition seeking to place limits on major tech companies.[The Washington Post]
What remains uncertain
- The specific regulatory scope of the pending bills and the proportion likely to be enacted into law remain unspecified in the initial reporting.[The Washington Post]
Sources
- How the data center backlash is growing in U.S. statehousesThe Washington Post - National metered