How Google, Amazon, and Meta are trying to win over communities pushing back against data centers
With host communities across the U.S. turning against their gargantuan data centers , America’s technology giants are promising to take fewer taxpayer handouts, keep fewer secrets or shower more money onto the communities willing to allow the server warehouses. The new raft of promises from the world’s richest companies comes as anti-data center sentiment has become a potent issue in the midterm…
U.S. technology giants Google, Amazon, and Meta are trying to win over communities facing opposition to their data centers. As anti-data center sentiment grows ahead of midterm elections, the companies are promising to pay more and be more transparent. Google's global head of community development, Devi Thomas, says early public consultation is key to addressing community concerns.
Amazon has introduced its "Amazon Data Center Commitment," pledging to improve the environmental rating of backup diesel generators and be more open about energy and water use. Meta is also working on improving transparency, including reviewing the use of non-disclosure agreements. The companies plan to invest billions in new data centers, but critics argue their commitments are mere "propaganda" and not enough to sway opposition.
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