How AI Data Centers Lost the PR War; Dems Swear Off Using AI
A rare bipartisan backlash against AI data centers has emerged, with more than 70 state and local governments passing restrictions or moratoriums due to concerns about water use, electricity consumption, noise, and utility rate hikes. Critics span the political spectrum, from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to conservatives like Pennsylvania State Treasurer (and Republican candidate for Governor) Stacy Garrity. Public relations experts blame the industry's failure to build trust, communicate transparently, and engage communities early, comparing tech companies' top-down approach to the tobacco industry's playbook. The consequences are mounting: 25 data center projects were canceled in 2025 — quadruple 2024's total — while roughly 99 of 770 planned projects face local opposition. Pennsylvania is at risk of forfeiting some $92 billion in private investments (see Pittsburgh Energy Event Truly Mind-Blowing, $92B+ Investments for PA).To view this content, log into your member account. (Not a member? Join Today!)