Editors’ Notes
Both sides frequently cited the Gallup (Center) poll that 70% of Americans oppose the construction of a new AI data center in their community. Broken down by party, 75% of Democrats opposed it as well as 63% of Republicans. However, we noticed the media didn’t reflect that split. Right-wing sources were much more likely to have pro-data center opinions than anti-data center ones. This is a reminder that reading the polarized news may not always reflect what your Democrat or Republican neighbor actually thinks.
News about the Data Centers
New York state became the first to issue a one-year moratorium on building new data centers while it researches environmental impacts and crafts regulations. The restriction only applies to centers using 50 megawatts or more of power. While New York is the first state to implement a ban, city and county governments in New York and elsewhere have passes similar laws in the past several months.
Read more:
- When DeNew York's Pause on Data Centers: Necessary or Political Move?
- The Insight: The Data Center Dilemma
Analysis and Opinions about Data Centers
Opinions from the right were more often pro-data center, while opinions from the left were more likely to support the moratorium. Both sides noted that the move was likely political, with midterms around the corner, and that leaders should listen to their constituents.
A Washington Examiner (Lean Right) opinion argued, “The economic case for data centers is indisputable. A single hyperscale facility brings in billions in capital investment, creates a slew of high-paying jobs from construction to engineering, and ensures local governments are flush with tax revenue…NIMBYism is also a big part of the opposition. That’s to be expected. If the local community doesn’t want a new giant, ugly data center nearby, for genuine or even imagined reasons, they should be able to stop the project. If a local community wants a data center, however, governors and Congress shouldn’t stop them from bringing in jobs and tax revenue to improve their community.”
A Bloomberg (Lean Left) columnist wrote, “Friction reduces economic growth. Friction is anything that may slow, divert or stop economic activity. The US has a capitalist economy, and market activity is routinely diverted by frictions we choose to adopt — some good, some bad. As a pro-growth economist with poor social skills, I am generally anti-friction…In the best-case scenario, AI will force all of us to take stock of the frictions in our lives, removing the unnecessary and harmful ones and keeping the ones that provide some value…The backlash against data centers suggests that Americans prefer greater friction over higher growth. Maybe the illusion of control is more appealing than no control at all.”
The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board (Lean Right) wrote, “Why are Democrats so intent on blocking development that would benefit their citizens?…It’s an election year. Polls show voters turning against data centers, largely owing to misconceptions fueled by climate activists. Ms. Hochul is trying to get ahead of the backlash and shift blame for her state’s rising electric rates caused by its climate policies.”
In USA Today (Lean Left) a writer said, “While I see the benefits that data centers could bring, especially to rural communities that have been struggling since manufacturing jobs went overseas, it’s imperative lawmakers are beholden to the people they serve – not lobbyists or businesses. If this many people are voicing their concerns over data centers, politicians must listen…New York’s moratorium is a great first step – next comes the regulation that’s needed to ensure data centers do not further harm the environment and affect quality of life in these communities. ”
