US Data Center Restrictions Have Limited Impact on Buildout

SemiAnalysis estimates that more than 300 local US governments have adopted data center restrictions, but only about 1,525 megawatts is actually delayed out of roughly 20 gigawatts located inside restricted areas, rising to about 2.3 gigawatts when including New York's statewide action. SemiAnalysis still expects more than 38 gigawatts of US data center capacity to be delivered in 2027, more than double the 2026 level, with roughly 22 gigawatts already under vertical construction. Most moratoriums cannot stop projects that already have permits, zoning approval, or construction underway. Meanwhile, Gallup-Microsoft survey data shows negative AI sentiment dominates only in the US, Egypt, and Palestine, while China, Singapore, and Kenya had the most positive emotions toward AI. US tech giants are increasingly interested in Australia, Spain, and Malaysia as data center hubs.