300 moratoriums identified, but only 2.3 GW actually delayed: SemiAnalysis debunks the narrative

The consultancy has mapped all local moratoriums on data centres in the US. It concludes that the number of such moratoriums says very little about the capacity actually blocked.

Published on September 15, 2026, an analysis by SemiAnalysis lists more than 300 local moratoriums adopted in the United States against the establishment of data centers. Of the 20 gigawatts of capacity nominally exposed to these restrictions, the firm estimates that only 1,525 megawatts are actually delayed — or 7.6%. Adding the New York State executive order, the total effective delays reach about 2.3 GW.

The difference can be explained by the nature of the prohibitions: many target projects that are still in the upstream phase, expire before the actual start of work, or apply to incorporated municipalities located outside the county's jurisdiction. The number of moratoriums, the authors summarize, is a poor indicator of the megawatts actually concerned.

Geographically, Michigan leads with 45 moratoriums voted and 7 under discussion, ahead of Ohio and its 40 texts, 83% of which were adopted in 2026 alone; North Carolina and Georgia are also very affected. Despite this surge of local opposition, SemiAnalysis maintains a forecast of 38 GW delivered in 2027.