Data Centers Spark Fierce Resistance as Lobbying Efforts Ramp Up

The Data Center Coalition has launched its 'America Connects' initiative to promote data centers as economic engines in battleground states. The campaign, led by President Josh Levi, focuses on job creation and tax revenue, countering opposition from local groups who claim that data centers consume too much energy and water.

Roughly 525,000 people have joined hundreds of local opposition groups spanning more than 40 states, with protests held in 42 states. The grievances are varied, including energy consumption, noise pollution, tax incentives, and electricity costs passed to ratepayers.

The industry is pushing back with lobbying efforts and advertising campaigns that emphasize the benefits of data centers. The AI Infrastructure Coalition, founded by Microsoft and Google, advocates for frameworks supporting US leadership in artificial intelligence and physical infrastructure. Local governments are caught in the middle, with moratorium proposals introduced and regulatory scrutiny causing delays.