The year data centers went from backend to center stage

December 24, 2025

TL;DR

Data centers have become a significant issue of public interest and political resonance in 2025.
142 activist groups in 24 states are organizing against data center developments.
Concerns include environmental and health impacts, AI usage, and increased local electricity bills.
Construction spending on data centers has increased by 331% since 2021.
Major tech companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon are projected to invest heavily in data center projects.
The Trump administration has prioritized artificial intelligence infrastructure development.
Activists like Danny Candejas report growing interest in organizing against local data centers.
Communities in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Southern California have actively protested or taken legal action against data center projects.
Rising electricity costs, potentially linked to AI expansion, are seen as a critical issue for the 2026 midterm elections.
Data Center Watch claims $64 billion in developments have been blocked or delayed due to opposition.
The tech industry, through groups like the National Artificial Intelligence Association (NAIA), is actively lobbying and campaigning to promote the benefits of data centers.

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