The rapid growth of data centres, essential for AI development, faces increasing local opposition in both the US and UK. Residents express worries about rising electricity costs, water usage, and environmental impacts, leading to significant political pushback. Polls indicate a strong preference against data centres, with some communities advocating for alternative developments like housing.
In the UK, the government has classified data centres as Critical National Infrastructure to support economic growth, but local protests highlight the tension between national interests and community concerns. Recent legal challenges have also emerged regarding environmental considerations in data centre approvals.