A grassroots NIMBY revolt is turning voters in Republican strongholds against the AI data-center boom

Residents in Virginia and other Republican-leaning states are increasingly opposing the construction of data centers, which they see as damaging to their communities due to noise, pollution, and rising energy costs. This grassroots opposition has even influenced recent elections, with voters rejecting pro-data center candidates. The data center industry and tech giants argue these facilities are essential for AI development, but local communities are pushing back against their encroachment.