AI Firms and Unions Formed Data Center Alliance
A new coalition of tech companies and labor unions has formed to promote data center development across the United States.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Data Centers
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Major AI firms and labor organizations have launched the American Infrastructure Alliance to advocate for data center construction. The group aims to standardize development practices to counter recent construction moratoriums.
Why it matters
The alliance seeks to navigate growing public and political pushback against data centers by creating formal industry standards. This effort is designed to prevent states from implementing restrictive policies on future projects.
A survey in Ohio revealed that 67% of residents hold an unfavorable opinion of data centers, compared to just 18% who view them favorably. These figures contrast with projects like the $20 billion investment celebrated by Pennsylvania officials.
The players
American Infrastructure Alliance
This newly formed coalition represents a partnership between AI companies and labor unions to influence state-level infrastructure policy.
Greg Abbott
He serves as the Governor of Texas and previously halted approvals for new data center projects in the state.
Josh Shapiro
He is the Governor of Pennsylvania who recently signed an executive order to tighten regulations on data center development.
The details
The American Infrastructure Alliance includes companies such as Blackstone, OpenAI, QTS, and SoftBank Group, working alongside unions like the IBEW, SMART, HFIAW, Iron Workers, and UA. The coalition plans to deploy union members to lobby officials and launch advertising campaigns in states including Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
Timeline
Texas Governor Greg Abbott halted approvals for new data centers in August 2026.
Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order regarding data center rules in August 2026.
The alliance intends to establish state-level development standards in 2027.
The group expects its advocacy efforts to extend into the 2028 presidential campaign.
The Tech Race
The alliance formation follows the pattern of state-level interventions like Pennsylvania's August 2026 executive order by aiming to preempt further restrictive legislation. This move positions the coalition against a trend of municipal and state moratoriums that threaten the physical expansion of AI infrastructure.
The alliance’s lobbying efforts could eventually influence the speed of AI service deployment and the local availability of tech infrastructure in participating states. Residents in target states may see increased advertising and political advocacy related to data center construction projects.
The takeaway
The formation of this alliance signals that the AI industry is shifting from private development to a more active, collaborative political strategy. By integrating union labor into their lobbying efforts, tech firms aim to build local credibility and avoid future construction freezes.
What happens next
The alliance plans to lobby state and local officials throughout 2027 to establish industry-wide data center development standards.
Further reading
Learn more about the infrastructure supporting the industry in our Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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