Meta employs community investment strategy to address data center backlash
Meta is investing $1 billion in U.S. cities with AI data centers, aiming to mitigate local backlash over electricity and water use. In Eagle Mountain, Utah, Meta's data center has successfully gained community support by addressing concerns, investing in infrastructure, and funding local initiatives. This contrasts with broader national opposition and challenges Meta has faced elsewhere.
The MS NOW report details Meta's strategy to navigate growing local opposition to its AI data center developments across the U.S. While communities nationwide express concerns over electricity and water consumption, Meta recently announced a $1 billion investment in cities hosting its AI data centers. The report highlights Eagle Mountain, Utah, as a successful model where Meta's $2 billion, 4.5 million square foot facility, announced in 2018, has garnered strong community support.
Eagle Mountain Mayor Jared Gray, described as a "literal cowboy" and the mayor of the ninth fastest-growing city in the nation, explains that city leaders set clear expectations and Meta committed to being a good partner. The city negotiated for favorable terms, including Meta's commitment to restore more water than it consumes by the end of the decade and to fully fund all necessary power infrastructure improvements, ensuring ratepayers are not burdened.
This positive local relationship contrasts with controversies Meta has faced elsewhere, such as fending off transparency questions in Louisiana and a dispute with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Georgia regarding drinking water contamination, which Meta vigorously denied causing. In Eagle Mountain, Meta has become deeply integrated into the community, funding projects like a hydroponic farm at Cedar Valley High School, providing laptops for students, and establishing a soda shop whose proceeds cover student activities. Additionally, Meta has provided conservation grants to local organizations. Mayor Gray views Eagle Mountain's experience as proof that data centers can be good neighbors, allowing his fast-growing city to invest in its future while preserving its heritage.