How backlash against data centres could shape the US midterm elections
Public backlash against the rapid expansion of data centers is increasingly influencing US political discourse ahead of the midterm elections. Residents and lawmakers are raising concerns about the environmental and infrastructure impact of these massive facilities, which are essential for the growth of AI technology.
Why it matters
The tension between the infrastructure demands of the AI boom and local community concerns represents a significant emerging challenge for tech policy and electoral politics.
Figure caption, Watch: The BBC's Shaimaa Khalil is in Arizona to hear from residents about the expansion of data centres.
A year ago, a longtime US senator was not thinking much about data centres.
Now, according to one of his advisers, he is having regular meetings with staff to track their impact and working on new legislation aimed at curbing their rapid expansion across the country.
"This happens sometimes, something starts slow and then it goes fast", the senior policy adviser to the Democratic senator told the BBC. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they are not permitted to speak to the press.
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