How opposition to data centres is bringing Democrats and Republicans together

Representative Image. Credit: X (Twitter) Across the United States, the rapid expansion of data centres is becoming an unexpected source of political conflict. Residents are challenging local officials, community groups are organising across party lines, and politicians who once welcomed the industry are being forced to reconsider their positions.The dispute goes beyond opposition to a new building in the neighbourhood. Data centres have become a focal point for wider concerns about the power of technology companies, the use of local resources and the extent to which communities have a say in decisions that affect them.Democrats and Republicans are finding common ground in their concerns about noise, electricity demand, water use and the speed at which new projects are approved.For some residents, the immediate problem is the effect on daily life. In Sterling, Virginia, people living near a data centre powered by natural-gas turbines have complained about persistent noise. Kasey Hatch, an IT infrastructure engineer who uses artificial intelligence at work, told NPR that she was surprised to discover that she and her staunchly Republican cousin agreed on the issue despite their poli...