Americans are rallying against data centers. Surprisingly few are getting built

Despite 71% of Americans opposing AI data centers and numerous state and local bans, construction delays are the primary obstacle slowing their deployment rather than public resistance. Only about half of the AI computing capacity scheduled for activation by 2028 is expected to meet its target date, with 60% of 2027 projects not yet begun construction due to land availability, power supply constraints, and extended build times. While AI companies have announced plans for nearly 4,000 new U.S. data centers, only 802 are currently under construction despite $750 billion in infrastructure investments this year.