AI Boom Sparks Growing Backlash Over Data Centers Across America

 From rural Texas to communities nationwide, America’s artificial intelligence boom is colliding with growing backlash over the data centers needed to power it.

Supporters point to jobs, investment, and the race to win AI dominance. Opponents worry about the effects on water, power, and the character of communities where these projects are planned.

In Hood County, Texas, southwest of Fort Worth, one massive proposal is at the center of a fierce fight.

Brian and Laura Crawford raise oryx on their land in the Paluxy River Valley. A massive data center campus would sit just across their fence line.

“We will be able to see data center buildings on a hill that’s just not far. In fact, it’s only about 300 feet from our fence line, but we would be able to see that every day as we walk out our door,” Brian Crawford said.