Analysts at Bernstein report that the development of data centers in the United States is facing substantial delays throughout 2026. Data indicates that at least 47 major projects have been canceled, blocked, or postponed during the current year. Currently, only about 35% of the total planned pipeline is considered credible by the firm.
The slowdown in infrastructure expansion is driven by several critical factors. These include difficulties with grid connections, shortages of necessary equipment, challenges in obtaining permits, and growing opposition from local communities. Market participants are now closely tracking these developments to assess the long-term sustainability of AI infrastructure growth.
State-level policy decisions are becoming a focal point for the industry. Authorities in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Missouri are evaluating potential moratoriums on new data center construction. Future legislative or executive actions in these regions, alongside updates from utility and infrastructure reports, remain key indicators for potential shifts in the broader market landscape.
