The US wants to fill thousands of acres of public land with AI data centers — land records show 35 data center-related developments are planned so far
Public land across the US could be the new home for 35 AI data centers, and the public has very little say.
The US government aims to develop hundreds of acres of public land with data centers, as evidenced by 35 applications currently authorized for such projects, according to records from the Bureau of Land Management. These developments, tracked by the Center for Western Priorities, have bypassed typical environmental reviews due to more permissive permitting processes for data centers on public lands compared to other jurisdictions. This leniency allows developers to circumvent critical assessments and expedite construction.
Among the planned projects, 17 are for building full data center campuses, while another 13 focus on constructing infrastructure necessary to support AI data centers. Some proposals are massive, such as a 9,000-acre AI data center development by Valar Atomics powered by small modular nuclear reactors. Copia is the leading developer, with 16 proposed sites and infrastructure projects across five states, including a single application for a 2,520-acre development near Las Vegas.
However, these large-scale data center projects have sparked significant opposition from local communities across the country. The concerns revolve around potential environmental damage, increased noise pollution, excessive water usage, and higher energy costs, particularly during periods of fuel price volatility. Despite these concerns, a report from the US Chamber of Commerce highlights the purported economic benefits of data centers.
It claims that each project can create around 5,200 jobs, inject $680 million into the state economy, and generate an additional $400 million in state personal income over a two-year construction period. However, once the construction is complete, the majority of these jobs will likely disappear, as the operational phase of a data center requires fewer personnel.
In response to the opposition, some developers are offering substantial financial incentives to local residents, with one developer even suggesting a "dividend" for those unable to secure local approval. President Trump has also voiced support for developers seeking community compensation.
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