# SemiAnalysis estimates local moratoriums will delay 2.3 GW of US data centers

_Published Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 9:06 AM EDT · Infrastructure, AI · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

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Local data center moratoriums are likely to delay three US projects representing about 2.3 GW, according to a SemiAnalysis assessment reported by Tom's Hardware. The firm projects 38 GW of US data center IT capacity will come online in 2027, with 22 GW under vertical construction and the other 16 GW mostly financed and undergoing site work.

Most pauses freeze new applications without revoking existing approvals, limiting their effect on construction schedules. The estimate excludes a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality permitting pause, which could change the buildout forecast.

## Sources

- [Tom's Hardware](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/data-centers/300-plus-local-data-center-bans-have-only-delayed-just-three-us-projects-bans-much-more-bark-than-bite-only-2-3-gigawatts-of-data-centers-are-held-up-versus-38-gigawatts-expected-online-in-2027)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/Ts1p0-yhP3pqhjRjh_8-ab
Published: 2026-10-18T13:06:33.977Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-18T11:45:00.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-18T15:49:20.302Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)