The data center backlash is sending AI infrastructure to some unexpected places, including the ocean and space

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Summary

Growing backlash against AI data centers in the US is prompting companies to consider alternative locations such as the ocean and space for infrastructure development.

On July 18, 142 protests were held across 42 states. They all shared one goal: to stop data center development in American communities. The protests are part of a growing movement to keep data centers out of towns across the country. Already, 183 U.S. towns have data center moratoriums or bans, according to the U.S. Data Center Moratorium Tracker. Little wonder why. Many Americans are unhappy about having the mammoth facilities nearby, citing concerns about their enormous electricity and water demands, unfulfilled promises of job creation, and noise. A March 2026 Gallup poll found that 70% of surveyed Americans oppose the construction of AI data centers in their local areas. As local governments make it more difficult to build AI infrastructure, some companies, both domestic and international, are looking for real estate in unusual places.
Original Article

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