As the U.S. midterm elections draw near, climate change and the fast-paced development of artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming major topics in political conversations and policy debates. Across nearly every state, grassroots groups are protesting the construction of large data centers by major technology companies. These facilities, which are essential for processing and storing vast amounts of data, require significant amounts of electricity and water for cooling systems. Critics argue that the environmental impact of these projects is not fully understood and that companies often operate with a lack of transparency, raising concerns about the effects on local ecosystems and water resources. Both major political parties have candidates who are addressing these concerns. Across the U.S., hundreds of local governments have passed temporary bans, or moratoriums, on new data center construction. According to Pew Research Center, as of mid-2026, over 4,000 data centers were already in operation, with around 1,500 more under construction or planning. Major tech companies like Meta, Google, Amazon, and AI-focused firms such as Anthropic and OpenAI are expanding their infrastructure, often with support from former President Donald Trump, who has emphasized the need for the U.S. to maintain leadership in the global AI competition. Trump has criticized efforts to stop the expansion of data centers, arguing that American leadership in AI is crucial. However, environmental advocates, including Erin Brockovich, who is leading an initiative to track all data centers, stress the importance of transparency and accountability. They warn that the environmental impact of these massive facilities must not be overlooked, and how candidates address these issues could have a lasting impact on future policies. The urgency of tackling climate change has been heightened by recent extreme weather events, including severe heatwaves, wildfires, and floods, as well as a deadly disaster in Nepal. The United Nations has reported that the world has likely missed the target of limiting global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. Current temperatures are already 1.4 degrees above that level and are expected to rise to between 1.8 and 2.6 degrees. Even this small increase has already caused noticeable changes in weather patterns, particularly in summer heat, over the past few years. As the midterms approach, the election may be the last real chance for those concerned about climate change and carbon emissions to influence the balance between profit-driven AI development and environmental responsibility. If candidates do not clearly address these issues, the long-term consequences could be significant for both the environment and public health.