Water, not AI, drives America's data center backlash

America on Data Centers: listen to 10,000+ city council comments

An analysis of roughly 10,000 public comments from local council meetings finds 90.5% oppose data centers, with water use the top concern at 36% — ahead of quality of life and transparency. Surprisingly, four in five comments never mention AI at all. Opposition is nearly identical in red and blue counties, while union workers are the lone group that mostly backs the projects, 79% in favor.