Data Center “announced capacity” can mislead. By 2030, the pipeline shown here is about 102 GW announced versus roughly 41 GW derisked. Developers announce ambition early, but the economy runs on projects that survive interconnection queues, neighborhood opposition, utility timelines, and real capital discipline. The real constraint on AI data centers may be shifting from chips and power to public permission. A data center is not just a box for GPUs. It is a coordinated claim on land, grid access, substations, cooling, permits, financing, construction labor, and local consent. Data Center Watch counted at least 48 U.S. data center projects blocked or delayed in 2025, and Sightline Climate estimated that 30% to 50% of large projects slated for 2026 could be delayed because of power constraints, equipment shortages, and local opposition