Jason Kelce's new beer ad proposes using pee to cool AI data centers
A satirical ad featuring Jason Kelce proposes using urine to cool data centers, highlighting widespread public opposition to the environmental impact of these facilities' water consumption. The campaign mirrors broader concerns that recently led Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to sign an executive order imposing new standards on data center developers in the state. The ad itself acknowledges its absurdity, and AI tools confirm that urine would be unsuitable for cooling.
Former Eagles center Jason Kelce stars in a new satirical ad for Garage Beer and Liquid Death, suggesting that people should collect their urine to use as a coolant for data centers. The humorous campaign aims to draw attention to the significant water consumption by data centers and the growing public opposition to their environmental impact.
The ad references a Gallup poll indicating that 70% of Americans oppose AI data center construction in their local areas, with resource use, including water and energy, being primary objections. Other tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon have attempted to counter these claims by highlighting their use of closed-loop systems, though critics argue this shifts the burden to energy providers.
The increasing grassroots pushback and lawsuits against data center projects have prompted states and localities to impose restrictions. Notably, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed an executive order to establish new standards and guardrails for developers, signaling a shift from earlier support for tech sector investments. He emphasized that Pennsylvania would not be 'bullied' or 'bulldozed' by developers.
Despite the ad's absurd premise, its fine print warns against actually sending urine, and Google's AI Overview confirms that urine would be a disastrous coolant due to mineral buildup, corrosion, and bacterial issues.