Microsoft President Says Building Data Centres Requires Trust of US Communities

Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized that securing and maintaining local community trust is crucial for the successful development of data centers across the United States. Smith's remarks, delivered at the CERAWeek conference in Houston, acknowledge a rising national concern surrounding these facilities. His comments coincide with the rapid expansion of "Big Tech" data centers, which is significantly increasing the nation's electricity demand and utility costs, thereby drawing close scrutiny from state and local governments. In recent months, substantial opposition from communities in the Midwest and Northeast has directly resulted in the cancellation of multiple data center projects. These objections are primarily fueled by fears of escalating power prices, adverse impacts on local water resources, and potential pollution from the necessary accompanying power infrastructure. Reporting for this story was provided by Laila Kearney from Houston.