--- title: "Opposition to AI Data Centers Builds Across Partisan Lines" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/opposition-to-ai-data-centers-builds-across-partisan-lines" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/opposition-to-ai-data-centers-builds-across-partisan-lines" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/opposition-to-ai-data-centers-builds-across-partisan-lines.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/opposition-to-ai-data-centers-builds-across-partisan-lines" category: "Politics" area: "United States" published: "2026-08-26T15:25:16.073Z" source_reported: "2026-08-26T13:00:08.000Z" updated: "2026-08-26T15:25:16.073Z" trust_score: 42 critic_score: 61 hype_score: 20 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-08-26T16:30:12.944597+00:00" --- # Opposition to AI Data Centers Builds Across Partisan Lines *Conservative farmers and environmental groups unite with labor leaders against burgeoning tech developments.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Two full reports and 52 digests provide corroboration, with the central claim attributed to AP. - Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. The reporting is clear and holds together, with affected parties quoted and the reader told why it matters. - Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. The language is measured and proportionate, with no sensationalism or loaded adjectives. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - Opposition to artificial intelligence data centers is emerging across the US, cutting across typical political divides. - Conservative farmers and the Sierra Club have joined forces with labor leaders to voice concerns about data center development. - Concerns include loss of farmland, water supply depletion, and rising electricity costs, with some areas enacting development pauses. - Supporters highlight potential job creation and the US's technological race with China. Opposition to artificial intelligence data centers is building across the United States, defying typical partisan boundaries. In rural eastern Nebraska, conservative farmers and the state Sierra Club chapter have found common cause with labor leaders. These groups have voiced concerns about data center development proceeding too rapidly, fearing impacts on farmland, water supplies, and electricity costs. The debate has intensified ahead of November's midterm elections, prompting national, state, and local officials to address the shifting political landscape. Supporters of data centers, including some union leaders and figures like former President Donald Trump, point to potential job creation and economic benefits. They also frame the development as crucial for the U.S. in its geopolitical competition with China for technological supremacy. However, the rapid pace of development has fueled hostility in many areas. Cass County, Nebraska, officials recently approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center development. Energy company Tenaska is exploring the feasibility of developing power generation for large loads, which could include data centers and natural gas power plants. In New Mexico, concerns over dwindling water supplies are mounting regarding Project Jupiter, a planned data center complex. Samantha Barncastle Salopek, a water attorney running as a Republican for county commission, stated that the issue transcends political affiliation, emphasizing the need for local communities to have a say and express concerns about information provided. She noted that farmers, ranchers, and business owners across the political spectrum are worried about the pressure on remaining water resources, particularly in drought-stricken areas. ## Disagreements on development impact Reports differ on the specific concerns raised by opposition groups. The Associated Press and My Mother Lode report that opposition groups worry about dwindling farmland, declining water supplies, and rising electricity bills. WWAY TV, SooLeader.com, verdenews.com, Daily Record, The Sun Chronicle, The Northern Virginia Daily, Weatherford Democrat, Santa Maria Times, KTBS, TelegraphHerald.com, and The Seattle Times state that debates have raged across the country, with some seeing job creation and others expressing concerns. Times of India and WHDH mention the potential for new data centers to power the AI boom but do not detail opposition concerns. ## What the coverage left out None of the right-rated reports below mention the 12-month moratorium on data center development approved by Cass County officials in Nebraska. None of the right-rated reports mention the specific concerns about dwindling water supplies in New Mexico related to Project Jupiter. ## Who covered it Shares of the 56 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 41% (23) - Centre: 54% (30) - Right: 5% (3) 4 of 60 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-26T16:30:12.944597+00:00. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 7 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-26T17:00:10.655Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - Left-rated reports highlighted the broad coalition opposing data centers, noting that conservative farmers and the state Sierra Club chapter have found common cause against labor leaders. These reports emphasized concerns about dwindling farmland, declining water supplies, and rising electricity bills. They also mentioned that hostility toward developments has surged ahead of November's midterm elections, forcing officials to adapt. The Associated Press, My Mother Lode, SooLeader.com, Daily Record, The Sun Chronicle, Durango Herald, NBC Boston, NBC Connecticut, NBC Miami, NBC New York, and NBC Philadelphia all carried these themes. The Associated Press and My Mother Lode provided full reports detailing the Nebraska and New Mexico situations. ### Centre - Centre-rated reports focused on the unusual alliance forming against data centers, noting that opposition is building in ways that defy typical partisan boundaries. These reports detailed concerns about farmland, water, and electricity costs, and mentioned the moratorium in Cass County, Nebraska. They also touched on the potential economic benefits and the geopolitical race with China. My Mother Lode, WWAY TV, WHDH, The Daily Advance, The Northern Virginia Daily, Weatherford Democrat, Santa Maria Times, KTBS, TelegraphHerald.com, WBAL, and NBC Chicago covered these aspects. My Mother Lode provided a full report. ### Right - The two right-rated reports, Times of India and The Batesville Daily Guard, mentioned that new data centers could rise from fields of corn and soybean to power the artificial intelligence boom. They noted that opposition has been building across the country but did not elaborate on the specific concerns or the nature of the opposition coalition. **Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - mixed: 2 - high: 23 - unknown: 8 - veryHigh: 27 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/08/26/election-2026-data-center-opposition) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [WWAY TV](https://wwaytv3.com/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [WHDH](https://whdh.com/news/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - Boston News, Weather, Sports - [The Daily Advance](https://dailyadvance.com/news/national/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_d5e5df6a-bee8-547c-8ce8-f954ab99a73f.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [The Northern Virginia Daily](https://nvdaily.com/associated_press_national/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_ca8b9f01-b71e-568d-ad27-9fbe104c5776.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Weatherford Democrat](https://weatherforddemocrat.com/ap/business/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_b3c78b19-e2d3-5dd0-b323-2710fe739db7.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Santa Maria Times](https://santamariatimes.com/ap/business/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_cc274afe-3af8-522d-8046-41391e82a953.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [SooLeader.com](https://sooleader.com/michigan-news-ap/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers-12707320) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Daily Record](https://dailyrecordnews.com/ap_news/politics/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_285cd140-dd70-5378-9bbf-e65c226ed578.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [KTBS](https://ktbs.com/news/business/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_37aa6a99-ced5-57ce-a8d5-048dc7ea99e8.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [verdenews.com](https://verdenews.com/news/national/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_bc50c6dd-7d41-56cf-886a-ece4c82ef86a.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [pmg-ky3.com](https://pmg-ky3.com/ap/ap_news/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_e41e002f-ca4e-5439-971f-b67d5cd8fdbd.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Washington Times](https://washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/26/divided-america-left-right-uniting-oppose-artificial-intelligence) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [KULR-TV](https://kulr8.com/news/national/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_0b703b78-d24c-5197-9763-9e568366ba16.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [McAlester News-Capital](https://mcalesternews.com/region/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_96ce44d4-efe2-5472-8fdc-539630f7f956.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [The Sun Chronicle](https://thesunchronicle.com/news/nation_world/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_94d42967-ef3e-5775-b5c8-c5433a7ff6b5.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [TelegraphHerald.com](https://telegraphherald.com/news/national_world/article_0839175b-f159-5e2d-a82d-12e57afcb234.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/articleshow/133530526.cms) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [dailyjournal.net](https://dailyjournal.net/2026/08/26/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [NBC Boston](https://nbcboston.com/news/national-international/left-and-right-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/4004025) — In a divided America, left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [NBC Connecticut](https://nbcconnecticut.com/news/national-international/left-and-right-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/3768698) — In a divided America, left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [NBC Miami](https://nbcmiami.com/news/national-international/left-and-right-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/3850714) — In a divided America, left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [NBC New York](https://nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/left-and-right-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/6540395) — In a divided America, left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [NBC Philadelphia](https://nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/left-and-right-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/4453753) — In a divided America, left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [broadbandbreakfast.com](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/in-a-divided-america-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-data-centers) — In a Divided America, Left and Right Unite to Oppose Data Centers - [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/11093844/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [NBC Chicago](https://nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/left-and-right-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/3980495) — In a divided America, left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [WBAL](https://wbal.com/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial in - [The Record](https://therecord.com/business/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_6b081710-c636-54fd-b693-2e5806d52de1.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/new-mexico-america-democratic-donald-trump-republican-b3039294.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/data-centers-bipartisan-opposition-trump-democrats-a419be82fb6b32a8fc048ac7ffbd1de3) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/politics/2026/08/26/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [News 4 JAX](https://news4jax.com/news/politics/2026/08/26/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Bangor Daily News](https://bangordailynews.com/2026/08/26/nation/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Cecil Daily](https://cecildaily.com/ap/nation/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_f7e5fa72-7b55-5278-bcde-d6f673352f61.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Beckley Register-Herald](https://register-herald.com/apnewsflow/nation/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_daf89788-ce95-59f8-a8d9-fdb267f2a720.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Ottumwa Courier](https://ottumwacourier.com/news/national_news/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_51e8534d-42ab-5b77-9d30-000dd143cc5e.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [KTEN](https://kten.com/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_56994654-e70d-55aa-8a60-bedc3caaec2b.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [El Paso Inc.](https://elpasoinc.com/news/ap_wire/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_9bf25396-0d84-55c8-9b78-70c1956377fb.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Yankton Press & Dakotan](https://yankton.net/news/national_ap/article_bb17d108-4349-5ec6-bc20-a1d7a344e4de.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [WFMZ](https://wfmz.com/news/ap/ap-business/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_ef9de7b6-a5b0-58b4-b261-05c788cceb49.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Mankato Free Press](https://mankatofreepress.com/news/state_national_news/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_6578a348-10cd-5750-91b6-70155e1f3c6a.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Henry Herald](https://henryherald.com/news/world_nation/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_3181e3a3-29ea-56cf-85be-317832368924.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Hometown News LP](https://hngnews.com/nation_world/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_cc7f4419-fb4c-518b-a95c-f1c06ed5baeb.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Yakima Herald-Republic](https://yakimaherald.com/news/nation_and_world/nation/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_2d822ab6-2b75-5f4f-a4f4-90608105e75e.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [KXL](https://kxl.com/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel](https://gjsentinel.com/news/us/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_51c39b35-eafd-51ba-a558-2cea1a35da2e.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [WSLS](https://wsls.com/news/politics/2026/08/26/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Your Hometown Stations](https://hometownstations.com/news/national/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_d7ca9df9-ddde-5295-b4b6-b59d29d385d9.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [Lancaster Farming](https://lancasterfarming.com/news/associated_press/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_af6e7f48-227c-50c0-9728-9cf5ac8de25c.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [The Batesville Daily Guard](https://guardonline.com/news/national/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_94de6349-3657-56b2-9c9a-abbd2b996f60.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [union-bulletin.com](https://union-bulletin.com/news/national/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_425922e0-a50c-50b3-b319-ff4630cb469b.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [KOB 4](https://kob.com/ap-top-news/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [NBC LA](https://nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/left-and-right-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/3933796) — In a divided America, left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [NBC Bay Area](https://nbcbayarea.com/news/national-international/left-and-right-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/4133269) — In a divided America, left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [NBC San Diego](https://nbcsandiego.com/news/national-international/left-and-right-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/4065673) — In a divided America, left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [NiagaraFallsReview.ca](https://niagarafallsreview.ca/business/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_fb7e9603-23bb-577f-9e3e-fde3ebf78970.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers - [WellandTribune.ca](https://wellandtribune.ca/business/in-a-divided-america-the-left-and-right-unite-to-oppose-artificial-intelligence-data-centers/article_47e17207-7531-5aef-9a61-34c2ba9d1b17.html) — In a divided America, the left and right unite to oppose artificial intelligence data centers ## Questions **What are the main concerns about AI data centers?** Opposition groups are concerned about the loss of farmland, depletion of water supplies, and rising electricity costs associated with AI data centers. They also worry about the rapid pace of development and how large corporations might reshape small towns. **Which groups are opposing AI data centers?** Opposition is building across partisan lines, uniting groups such as conservative farmers and the state Sierra Club chapter with labor leaders. This coalition spans various political demographics and geographies across the United States. **Have any areas paused data center development?** Yes, Cass County officials in Nebraska recently approved a 12-month moratorium on allowing data center development. This action may affect plans for energy companies exploring power generation for large loads in the region. **What are the arguments in favor of AI data centers?** Supporters highlight the potential for job creation and economic benefits. They also argue that developing data centers is important for the United States to maintain a technological advantage in its geopolitical competition with China. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/opposition-to-ai-data-centers-builds-across-partisan-lines. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Opposition to AI Data Centers Builds Across Partisan Lines", https://mediabias.news/politics/opposition-to-ai-data-centers-builds-across-partisan-lines