Big Tech companies like Microsoft are facing backlash for building massive AI data centers that strain electricity grids and local reservoirs. President Trump supports Microsoft’s approach of having the industry, not taxpayers, pay for these centers. Rising electricity prices and water usage are major concerns for local communities.
Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, is leading the charge to address local concerns about data centers. Communities are worried about higher electricity prices, water usage, and environmental impact. Data center developers are facing opposition in towns where they want to build, leading to calls for more transparency and community benefits.
In the mid-Atlantic region, ratepayers have been paying higher electricity prices due to data centers since at least June. Electric bills are expected to keep rising to meet demand from new data centers. Bulk power deals between data center developers and local utilities are raising concerns about transparency and cost distribution.
Data center projects are facing objections in communities concerned about losing open space, farmland, or environmental impact. In Hobart, Indiana, a tax-abatement package for a new Amazon data center is causing controversy. In Wisconsin, Microsoft’s AI data centers are being met with opposition due to concerns about electricity usage and water consumption.
Environmental groups are calling for a pause on data center approvals until a comprehensive plan is developed. Democratic candidates in Wisconsin are proposing moratoriums on data center construction. Microsoft is committed to reducing carbon emissions and investing in clean energy sources for their data centers.
Microsoft is continuing to work towards their goal of being carbon-negative by 2030. They are investing in clean energy sources and working with utilities to ensure cleaner energy for their data centers. The company remains confident in meeting their environmental goals by the end of the decade.
Read more at Yahoo Finance: Microsoft’s Brad Smith pushes Big Tech to ‘pay our way’ for AI data centers amid rising opposition