Data Center Derangement Syndrome |
For myriad reasons, nearly all of which are unjustifiable and illogical, a vast majority of Americans “oppose AI data centers in their areas.”
Incredibly, as Gallup notes, “Seven in 10 Americans oppose constructing data centers for artificial intelligence in their local area, including nearly half, 48%, who are strongly opposed. Barely a quarter favor these projects, with 7% strongly in favor.”
“Effects on local resources” is the runaway reason Americans oppose data center development, followed by “quality-of-life concerns.”
The biggest problem is that most Americans mistakenly believe that construction of AI data centers will deplete local water resources and undermine the electric grid, therefore increasing their costs.
The truth is that neither of these boogeyman arguments passes muster after a few minutes of research.
In January, the Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association issued a report telling “the full story of data center water usage”
Most notably, the report contains a “breakdown” of “myths vs. reality around data centers and water.”
I bet most Americans have no idea that up to a quarter of data centers are “water-free” because they “do not........