RFK Jr. condemns data center ‘threats’ to farms
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a high-profile ally, has joined a grassroots movement opposing data centers, citing threats to farmlands, water, and electricity costs. His stance aligns with rural communities nationwide but conflicts with former President Donald Trump's push for AI infrastructure. Data centers are increasingly unpopular due to perceived impacts on energy bills.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., identified as the Health and Human Services Secretary in the article (though currently a presidential candidate), has become a prominent supporter of the burgeoning grassroots opposition to data center development across rural agricultural communities. Kennedy criticized the data center boom for its potential negative impact on farmlands and pointed to government subsidy programs that he claims distort the marketplace, making it difficult for farmers to continue their work. His remarks were made to "The Midwesterner," a Michigan-based conservative outlet.
Kennedy's position aligns him with various coalitions, including farmers and "MAHA moms," who are actively fighting data center projects in their local areas. These groups, prominent in deeply red, rural regions from Texas to West Virginia, express concerns that data centers will deplete local water resources, increase electricity costs, degrade land quality, and create few permanent jobs.
This stance puts Kennedy at odds with former President Donald Trump, who has advocated for boosting artificial intelligence infrastructure, which necessitates significant data center expansion and energy demands. The article also notes that recent polling indicates rising energy bills have contributed to data centers becoming unpopular with a majority of U.S. voters.