"Michael Deppert, a local farmer, expressed concerns that a proposed data center would tap into the same aquifer that irrigates his crops, potentially eroding yields and profits. He stated, 'You just can't lay down and let everybody do whatever they wish.'"
"According to Pew Research Center, 67 percent of planned data centers are in rural areas, while 87 percent of existing data centers are in urban ones, indicating a significant shift in infrastructure development."
"Public opinion has hardened against data centers, with Pew research showing that Americans are more likely to view them as harmful rather than beneficial, particularly regarding environmental impact and quality of life."
Rural communities, like Tazewell County, Illinois, are resisting AI infrastructure due to fears of water depletion and environmental harm. Local farmers, such as Michael Deppert, worry that proposed data centers could affect their water supply and crop yields. A significant backlash has emerged, with residents actively campaigning against these projects. Data centers are increasingly targeting rural areas for their development, with a notable rise in AI-focused facilities. Public opinion has shifted, with many viewing data centers as detrimental to the environment and local quality of life.
Read at Ars Technica
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