Communities across the United States are increasingly opposing data centre projects, arguing that the rapid expansion of AI and cloud infrastructure is being prioritised over local needs. The article says residents and politicians are organising to challenge developments or demand stricter conditions, amid concerns about pollution, noise, water supplies and rising energy costs.

US spending on data centre construction exceeded $50 billion in April, overtaking spending on new public transport infrastructure. Polling cited by the article found that 70% of Americans oppose a data centre near their home, while examples in Tennessee and Virginia highlight complaints about gas-powered generators and persistent noise levels of up to 65 decibels; environmental groups have also sued xAI over alleged emissions from 27 methane turbines.