Australia is drafting mandatory data centre standards as US voters turn on the sector

An analysis of the US midterm elections argues that a backlash against AI-driven data centre development was a surprisingly important factor in the large swings toward the Democrats, and draws lessons for Australia, where the government is drafting mandatory national standards for large data centres. It reports that Americans in ten states voted overwhelmingly for candidates campaigning for local limits on data centres, and that exit polls found 56% of voters saw AI data centres as a crucial or major factor.

The article sets the vote against the Trump administration's push for expansion, including a July 2025 executive order to speed up development. US spending on building data centres reached 4.4 billion dollars in June alone, and about 75% of those under construction sit in Republican-led states. Pew Research found sentiment hardening between January and August, with concerns over energy costs, the environment and noise. Wholesale electricity prices near data centres have risen by as much as 267% in five years. Gubernatorial races in Texas, Ohio and Georgia were won by candidates calling for pauses. Data centre stocks fell as the Democratic sweep became clear, and states led by Democrats favouring restrictions account for about 45% of planned US capacity. The author expects delays, higher costs and possible investment shifts.

For Australia, the author notes an A$1.2 billion Sydney project that was scrapped in September, residents blocking power line works in Melbourne, and Firmus cancelling a planned listing. The national standards are to cover energy and water use, siting and community engagement, with restrictions near homes flagged, though their stringency and interaction with state rules is unclear. The author says they must address community concerns, with clear siting rules, transparent resource reporting and early consultation.