The growth of data centers in the United States has surged considerably, reaching 1,240 facilities built or approved, four times the number from 2010. These centers are essential for supporting AI technologies, using significant amounts of water, land, and electricity. Key issues surrounding their expansion include the concerns of limited natural resources like electricity and water. While these facilities benefit nearby property owners through tax revenues that fund local infrastructure, public officials face challenges balancing community interests amidst mixed responses from towns regarding industry development.
To fulfill the promise of AI, data centers have sprung up around the country, using water, land, and electricity to deliver computing power for the booming tech.
There are 1,240 data centers either built or approved for construction in the United States. That's four times as many as there were in 2010.
Electricity and water use are large concerns because they are limited resources. But data centers often bring tax revenue, which towns use to build roads, schools, and fire stations.
Public officials have been caught in the middle, with some towns pushing back and others openly welcoming the industry with tax benefits.
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