Pity the poor AI data centers facing ‘discrimination’ | Arwa Mahdawi
The rapid expansion of AI data centers is driving up energy costs and straining local resources, leading to growing public opposition. These facilities consume vast amounts of electricity and water, often without bearing the associated costs, while wealthy tech leaders remain insulated from the impacts. As resistance mounts, the industry has responded with dismissive and defensive rhetoric, framing critics as paid agitators.
- ▪AI data centers consumed 6% of electricity in the UK and US in 2025 and could account for over 14% of US power demand by 2030.
- ▪In the first half of 2025, US utilities sought nearly $30 billion in retail rate increases linked to data center energy demands.
- ▪A data center in Fayetteville, Georgia, used 30 million gallons of water without initial payment, causing local water pressure issues.
- ▪A Gallup poll found that seven in 10 Americans oppose building AI data centers in their communities.
- ▪Venture capitalist Kevin O’Leary claimed protesters against a Utah data center were paid agitators, not genuine concerned residents.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
‘The people getting filthy rich from AI will never have to live next door to their moneymaking creations.’ Photograph: Mark Hertzberg/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockView image in fullscreen‘The people getting filthy rich from AI will never have to live next door to their moneymaking creations.’ Photograph: Mark Hertzberg/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockThe Week in PatriarchyAI (artificial intelligence)Pity the poor AI datacenters facing ‘discrimination’Arwa MahdawiThe centers are diverting much-needed resources from regular people. Local resistance has the industry playing defenseSat 16 May 2026 08.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 16 May 2026 08.01 EDTShareBack in 2016, Marco Gutiérrez, the Mexican-born founder of Latinos for Trump, issued an ominous warning to the US.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — US.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Guardian — US
