AI Firms and Unions Formed Data Center Lobbying Group

A new alliance seeks to standardize data center development by 2027 to counter state-level construction moratoriums.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Data Centers

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an industrial transformer unit, symbolizing the massive energy infrastructure requirements of new AI data center policies. — Blackstone and OpenAI have partnered with major labor unions to create the American Infrastructure Alliance, aiming to standardize data center construction rules across seven states. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Blackstone, OpenAI, and a coalition of labor unions have launched the American Infrastructure Alliance to lobby state officials for data center development. The group aims to implement construction guardrails following regulatory crackdowns in states like Texas and Pennsylvania.

Why it matters

The formation of the alliance reflects a push to mitigate political headwinds and public opposition as the massive energy demands of AI data centers drive restrictive state-level policies. The coalition is targeting seven states to influence construction standards before the 2028 election cycle.

In Ohio, 67% of residents reported an unfavorable opinion of data center developments compared to 18% who view them favorably. The alliance follows a move by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who recently signed an executive order to tighten development rules after a $20 billion investment.

The players

Blackstone

A global alternative investment firm with significant holdings in infrastructure and real estate.

OpenAI

An AI research and deployment company focused on the development of large-scale generative models.

IBEW

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a labor union representing workers across the electrical industry.

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who recently implemented a suspension on new data center approvals.

Josh Shapiro

The Governor of Pennsylvania who recently signed an executive order to tighten data center development rules.

The details

The American Infrastructure Alliance plans to leverage its network of union members from organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (Iron Workers) to conduct lobbying campaigns. The strategy involves direct advocacy for standardized development policies across seven states, aiming to replace localized, restrictive moratoriums with uniform construction requirements.

August 2026: Governor Abbott halted new data center approvals in Texas.
August 2026: Governor Shapiro signed an executive order for data centers in Pennsylvania.
2027: The alliance aims to establish formal state data center standards.
2028: The group expects to be involved in the presidential campaign.

The Tech Race

The alliance's formation follows the precedent set by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's August 2026 executive order on data centers. This effort marks a departure from ad-hoc corporate lobbying, shifting toward a organized national push to preempt localized construction moratoriums.

Residents in Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and South Carolina should expect increased advertising and lobbying activity as the group pushes its policy agenda. The outcome of these campaigns will likely dictate whether local jurisdictions continue to implement moratoriums on new data center construction.

The takeaway

The alliance is attempting to standardize the regulatory environment to avoid the patchwork of moratoriums currently hindering construction. Readers should watch for the specific legislative proposals the group releases in 2027 to see how they address regional power and land-use concerns.