Why a person wants communities to like data centers: the case explained

Opposition grows around AI facilities

Communities have raised concerns about data centers’ use of water and electricity, the noise they produce and the scale of the buildings. Some residents also worry about the technology these facilities power and its potential effects on jobs.

Gallup found that 71 percent of Americans oppose building AI-supporting data centers in their communities. Majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents opposed local construction, according to the poll. In Texas, where development has boomed, Gov. Greg Abbott directed regulators in September to pause permits while they audit effects on power and water resources.

Thomas calls for public engagement

Thomas said she noticed public attention shifting about two years ago. She entered the industry roughly four and a half years ago after working in state transportation, where she said community engagement was central. In her account, data centers had previously been treated like warehouses, with little outreach and a secretive image tied to concerns about data security.

Explaining everyday digital links

Thomas said education is important because many people have had little information about what data centers do. She argues that companies should explain how the facilities connect to everyday use of phones and apps.

She said data centers store information and can verify passwords to enable access to apps. Thomas also argued that digital infrastructure is necessary for services such as email and for the conversation she was having. The account gives two opposition figures: Gallup’s 71 percent and Thomas’s reference to 70 percent.