Microsoft President Warns Data Center Developers Must Win Over Local Communities

Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized the importance of gaining local community trust when building data centers in the US. At the CERAWeek conference in Houston, he noted that opposition from towns and counties has led to the cancellation of several data center developments due to concerns about rising power prices, water impact, and pollution.

The rapid proliferation of Big Tech data centers is driving up electricity demand and power bills across the country, drawing scrutiny from states and local communities. Smith stated, 'You have to win over the local community and sustain their trust if you are going to build a (data center).'