Data centres have become one of America’s most heated political issues. Here is why they are now a flashpoint.

AI data centres need huge amounts of electricity, water and land. Utilities often build new power plants to serve them, and residents fear the costs will land on household electricity bills. Farmland being converted to server farms adds to local anger.

President Trump backs the buildout, saying America must beat China in the race for what he calls “superintelligence.” At an Ohio rally on October 3 he warned blocked projects would “go to China.”

Senator Jon Husted’s Ratepayer Protection Act would make data centres pay their own way and shield households. Trump says Senate Democrats blocked it days ago.

A Bowling Green State University poll found 70 percent of Ohio voters favour a temporary ban on new data centres. The backlash crosses party lines, and even Trump’s rally crowd was muted on the issue.

With midterms on November 3, both parties are being tested on whether they can keep AI growth from raising voters’ bills.