Data centers, which power AI and other internet activities, have become controversial for raising utility bills and potentially harming the environment. Would-be developers are increasingly finding themselves in a fight with residents who don’t want data centers in their backyard; since 2023, 16 major projects worth $64 billion have been blocked by communities in Virginia, Arizona, Missouri and Indiana, according to Data Center Watch.
Nevertheless, the going opinion among some government officials is that these projects are going to come our city and county at some point. When they do: Are we ready?
Opinion Pitts: Fayetteville residents push back on data center plans…