Growing public opposition to data center development across the US

The article details a surging public backlash against data center development across the United States, which author Robert Bryce likens to past opposition against renewable energy projects. Communities are increasingly rejecting or imposing restrictions on data center initiatives due to concerns over property values, significant water consumption, high electricity costs, and overall quality-of-life impacts. Specific instances highlighted include previous rejections from Indianapolis and Prince William County, Virginia, where Compass Datacenters notably withdrew an 800-acre project after substantial local opposition. The resistance is portrayed as a widespread cultural phenomenon, fueled by a general distrust of "Big Tech" companies and anxieties regarding the potential job impacts of artificial intelligence, alongside the more localized environmental and economic concerns. The article dismisses claims that this anti-data center movement is funded by foreign entities, asserting its grassroots authenticity. A vivid illustration of this opposition is the Box Elder County, Utah, where hundreds of residents rallied against a proposed 9-gigawatt Stratos data center project during a County Commission hearing. Despite the vocal and disruptive protests, which included chants of "No data center" and "We want water," the commissioners unanimously approved the deal. However, the article concludes with skepticism regarding the project's future, noting that the Stratos campus, championed by Kevin O'Leary, currently lacks tenants and faces intense industry competition and controversy, suggesting the local opposition might still see an ultimate victory.