Data Centers Know They Have an Image Problem. They're Trying to Fix It.
Although Trump has endorsed it as crucial to securing America's tech dominance, communities are far from sold on the AI buildout.
Data centers, essential for the growth of artificial intelligence and America's role in the global economy, are facing opposition from local communities and grassroots groups. Despite the claims of their strategic importance from politicians like President Donald Trump, seven in ten Americans oppose building data centers in their communities, according to a March Gallup survey.
This opposition has even led to legislative action, with New York enacting the first statewide ban on data center construction and over a dozen states considering similar measures. Over 500 localities have stalled the construction of new data centers, while the market for data center projects has faced significant setbacks. Henry Lee, director of the Environment and Natural Resources Program at Harvard Kennedy School, attributes the backlash to a lack of understanding of the benefits and costs associated with data centers.
Despite this, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has paused approvals for new proposed data centers until they can be audited for electricity and water consumption. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates that data center consumption could increase from 4% of total U.S. electricity use in 2023 to 17% by 2030. Developers are struggling to communicate the counterarguments effectively, often providing generalities instead of specific numbers, which fuels fears and misinformation.
Only a third of developers engage with communities about investing in grid reliability and water consumption during outreach efforts, despite these concerns being top priorities for locals.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
