Archive — US — techcrunch
The year data centers went from backend to center stage
In 2025, data centers transitioned from being an overlooked backbone of the internet to a central concern for many Americans, spurring substantial activist protests across 24 states. Fueled by environmental and health issues and rising electricity costs linked to AI expansion, these movements have successfully delayed $64 billion in development projects, indicating a significant public backlash against rapid data center growth.
Key points
- Data centers have recently gained public attention and activism in the US.
- 142 activist groups are operating against data center setups across 24 states.
- Concerns driving activism include environmental impact, health risks, and rising electricity bills.
- Data center construction spending surged by 331% since 2021, totaling hundreds of billions.
- Major tech firms continue to invest in data center infrastructure amidst community pushback.
- Grassroots efforts have successfully delayed or halted $64 billion in planned developments.
Why it matters
- The rise of AI technologies has intensified the demand for data centers.
- Elevated energy costs are impacting voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterms.
- The backlash against data centers reflects broader concerns about unchecked tech expansion, similar to historical environmental movements.
The dramatic shift in public perception toward data centers highlights the mounting tension between technological progress and community interests, reflecting an urgent need for balanced development strategies in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.