Restrictions on data centers, which are almost certainly coming in other states as well, illustrate what we economists call friction. As usual, it comes from a place of fear — in this case, that data centers harm the environment or increase electricity prices. At least when it comes to data centers, the control is largely an illusion; if one state doesn’t build data centers, another will. Still, expect more moratoriums and other regulations that aim to manage the path of technological progress. The backlash against data centers suggests that Americans prefer greater friction over higher growth.