AI boom hits a political wall as US voters rage over data centre costs
BRAZORIA (Texas), Aug 30 — The data centres powering America’s artificial intelligence boom have become an u...
The growth of artificial intelligence in the United States has hit a snag as voters express frustration over the soaring costs of data centers. In the 2022 midterm elections, the issue has become a political liability for Democrats and an increasing number of Republicans. At least 21 races in 18 states have included advertisements related to data centers, with both parties showing equal interest in the issue.
In Ohio's Senate race, the cost of data centers drove up capacity costs by $9.3 billion, a 174% increase, according to an independent market monitor. Reacting to higher electricity bills and noise, politicians who were previously wooed by the data centers are now turning against them. Texas Governor Greg Abbott froze new projects, while his Democratic challenger proposed a moratorium until stronger safeguards were in place.
In Brazoria, Texas, Melissa Burnett, a resident, complained about the disruptive 17-megawatt data center that intruded into her quiet neighborhood. Trump, a Republican, has not moved and still considers the industry crucial for defeating China in the AI race. However, some Democrats, like New York's governor, have imposed a year-long moratorium on new hyperscale facilities, requiring developers to cover infrastructure costs and meet tougher standards.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
