Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel comments on increasing data center construction resistance
Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel has observed a significant increase in community pushback against data center construction across the U.S., driven by concerns over local power and water resources. New York State has already enacted a moratorium on such developments, and the growing resistance is becoming a factor in political discussions, including upcoming midterm elections.
Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel indicated in an interview with CNBC's Becky Quick that U.S. communities are showing increased resistance to data center buildouts, citing concerns about local resource strain. Abel noted, "There is a lot more pushback in the communities across the U.S."
Berkshire Hathaway's interest in the expanding computing facility sector is primarily linked to power and electricity generation, with Abel stating the conglomerate is keen to do business with supercomputing companies, provided it doesn't negatively impact other customers' rates. This observation aligns with Wall Street analysts' views that organized political resistance to major computing projects, often fueled by debates over resource consumption and long-term job creation, could influence upcoming midterm elections.
Demonstrating this trend, New York State has already enacted a moratorium on data center construction, while other states are reportedly considering various bans and restrictions, reflecting a nationwide pattern of scrutiny over the industry's rapid expansion.