Observed Signal · Sep 2, 2026 · Regulation · Source: CNBC Investing · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Infrastructure Market: Berkshire CEO Abel Cites Growing Data Center Pushback
Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel told CNBC that U.S. communities are showing significantly more resistance to data center construction. Abel stated that Berkshire's interest in providing power and electricity for these sites is conditional on not raising rates for its other customers. His comments highlight growing organized political opposition to large computing projects that strain local power and water resources. New York State has enacted a moratorium on data center construction, and other states have pending restrictions of varying intensity. Mizuho analysts noted that investors view data centers as a potential issue in the upcoming midterm elections, citing concerns about resource consumption and limited long-term job creation. The U.S. currently has approximately 4,700 data centers, a number that continues to grow.
Growing political and regulatory resistance to data center construction could slow digital and AI infrastructure expansion, affecting the tech and advertising ecosystem that depends on hyperscale computing capacity.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel said there is 'a lot more pushback' on data center construction across U.S. communities.
- Berkshire's interest in data center power generation is conditional on not raising rates for other customers.
- New York State has enacted a moratorium on data center construction.
- There are approximately 4,700 data centers in the U.S., and the number is growing.
- Mizuho analysts said investors view data centers as a potential issue in the upcoming midterm elections.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedMizuho Financial Group
Investor / PEJapanese banking group spanning retail, trust and securities.
“Analysts at Mizuho said in a Tuesday note to clients that investors think data centers could be a significant issue in the midterm elections...”
Berkshire Hathaway
Diversified holding company combining operating businesses and investment assets.
“Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel noted the growing resistance to the construction of data centers across the U.S. in an interview with CNBC'...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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