What are data centers? How AI is driving massive growth, energy demand and community pushback
The rapid growth of data centers, driven by AI, is sparking nationwide debate over their substantial electricity and water demands. A recent Gallup poll indicates strong public opposition, with communities like Hood County, Texas, actively fighting proposed projects due to concerns over local resources and environmental impact. The debate highlights the tension between technological advancement and sustainable community development.
The proliferation of data centers across the United States, fueled by the escalating demands of artificial intelligence, is raising significant concerns regarding electricity consumption, water usage, and environmental impact. These facilities, often described as "the cloud," operate 24/7, with over 3,000 currently active and hundreds more planned or under construction, particularly in states like Texas and Virginia. A May 2026 Gallup poll revealed that 70% of Americans oppose the construction of AI data centers in their local areas, highlighting widespread community pushback.
The energy demands of these centers are projected to more than double from 31 gigawatts in 2025 to 66 gigawatts by 2027, equivalent to powering tens of millions of homes. Texas, expected to be a major hub for new data center power demand, is grappling with how to accommodate this growth without straining its already sensitive power grid, a concern amplified by the devastating 2021 winter storm. The Environmental Integrity Project, an environmental watchdog, notes that at least 74 natural gas-fired power plants are proposed nationwide, 32 in Texas, specifically to supply electricity to data centers, potentially emitting vast amounts of greenhouse gases.
Water consumption is another critical issue. Estimates suggest Texas data centers could consume between 29 billion and 161 billion gallons annually by 2030, with usage varying based on cooling technology and energy sources. While the industry argues its water footprint is relatively small compared to other sectors, the local impact on specific communities' water supplies, especially in rural areas where land is cheaper and zoning is less restrictive, is a major concern. For instance, residents in Hood County, Texas, are actively opposing multiple proposed data center projects, citing worries over water resources and livestock.
This growing demand for AI is transforming questions about land use, electricity, and water into complex debates unfolding in communities across Texas and the wider nation, pitting technological progress against local environmental and resource concerns.