Data Centers Expand Rapidly, Raising Local Concerns Nationwide

Communities across the U.S. grapple with economic benefits and environmental costs as tech companies build massive data facilities near neighborhoods.

Demand for data centers has surged due to the growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, leading to their proliferation across urban and rural areas in the U.S.
In Fairfax County, Virginia, residents are opposing a new 466,000-square-foot data center, citing concerns about power grid strain, air pollution, and water usage.
Local governments are divided as data centers bring significant tax revenue and indirect jobs but offer few permanent positions and raise environmental concerns.
In Morrow County, Oregon, Amazon Web Services has invested heavily in infrastructure and community projects while securing substantial tax breaks, prompting scrutiny of corporate influence on local officials.
Critics argue that communities often lack the resources to negotiate better deals with tech companies, leaving residents feeling powerless against the industry's expansion.