Data centers, once an unseen backbone of the internet, have become a focal point of public and political attention in the United States. Activism against data center developments has surged, with 142 activist groups across 24 states opposing new projects due to concerns about environmental impacts, health risks, and rising electricity costs. This backlash is a response to the rapid expansion of the AI and cloud computing industries, which have led to a 331% increase in construction spending on data centers since 2021, amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars. The expansion of data centers has sparked protests in various states, with local communities expressing strong opposition to these developments. Activists like Danny Cendejas have been at the forefront of these movements, organizing protests and raising awareness about the potential negative impacts of data centers on local communities. In some cases, grassroots opposition has successfully delayed or blocked projects, with $64 billion worth of developments being halted as a result. This growing discontent has also caught the attention of politicians, who see the issue of rising electricity costs as a potential influence on upcoming elections. In response to the backlash, the tech industry is actively defending its position. The National Artificial Intelligence Association (NAIA) is working to sway public opinion by engaging with Congress and organizing local field trips to highlight the benefits of data centers. Companies like Meta are investing in ad campaigns to promote the economic advantages of these projects. Despite the opposition, the tech industry's plans for AI infrastructure expansion continue, with major companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon committing significant capital to data center developments. This ongoing conflict underscores the polarization surrounding the rapid growth of data centers and their impact on communities and the environment. This matters because the rapid expansion of data centers is reshaping local communities, impacting the environment, and influencing political landscapes, highlighting the need for balanced development that considers both technological advancement and community well-being.
