Three Amazon engineers who testified against AI data center buildouts are reportedly under company investigation. Amazon Employees for Climate Justice filed a civil rights complaint, alleging the company violated Seattle law by discriminating against employees based on political ideology.
Amazon engineers who testified at Seattle City Council meetings criticizing AI data center expansion and calling for regulation are now under company investigation. The employees fear disciplinary action, including potential termination, and accuse Amazon of monitoring political advocacy.
Nvidia is reportedly planning a $20 billion bond sale to fund AI investments and refinance debt. This move highlights strong investor appetite for AI infrastructure and benefits Bitcoin miners diversifying into AI hosting.
Chipmaker Nvidia is reportedly planning a $20 billion bond offering to fund AI investments and refinance debt. This move highlights strong investor appetite for AI infrastructure and benefits Bitcoin miners diversifying into AI hosting.
Data Center Watch reported a record 75 projects worth $130 billion were blocked or delayed nationwide in Q1 2026. This "structural shift" is attributed to communities adopting an "opposition playbook," legislative uncertainty, and a surge in active opposition groups. Sociologist Tressie McMillan Cottom highlights the growing political power felt by citizens organizing against these projects.
While AI data centers' water usage is a fraction of national totals, individual facilities can strain local supplies. Amazon reported 2.5 billion gallons globally in 2025, far less than US lawns or almond orchards. However, a Meta data center in Georgia uses 10% of its county's water, and many US data centers are in water-scarce areas.
OpenAI has banned two clusters of ChatGPT accounts originating from China that were used for covert influence campaigns targeting US tech and policy debates. The campaigns aimed to manipulate discussions on AI data centers and US tariffs, but generated little authentic engagement.
Siemens Energy is experiencing strong demand for its gas turbines, driven by the high energy needs of AI data centers. Despite market nervousness about data center business models, the company has seen no significant cancellations and notes customers are eager for faster delivery.
OpenAI identified Chinese influence campaigns using AI to generate social media content against US data centers, promoting narratives about rising costs and Trump's trade policies. While the campaigns lacked significant engagement, they reveal China's testing of influence tactics.
Oracle plans to raise $40 billion, including a $20 billion share issuance, to expand its AI data centers. Despite concerns over funding burdens and a negative free cash flow, the company exceeded earnings expectations for Q4 FY2026. Investors are becoming more selective in AI infrastructure bonds.
GM is entering the booming energy storage market with a new sodium-ion battery chemistry, aiming for cost-effectiveness and supply chain resilience. While Tesla dominates, GM's deliberate approach focuses on long-term product development, with sodium-ion cells expected later this decade.
GM is entering the booming energy storage market with a new sodium-ion battery chemistry, aiming for cost-effectiveness and supply chain resilience. While Tesla dominates, GM's deliberate approach focuses on long-term potential, including future EV applications.
Seattle City Council has unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new large AI data centers, citing concerns over electricity and water usage. Mayor Katie Wilson is expected to sign the bill, which also mandates a study for permanent regulations.
Meta has rapidly deployed six large tents in New Albany, Ohio, to house AI data centers, aiming to halve construction time. This strategy, reminiscent of Tesla's Model 3 production tents, utilizes modular gas turbines for power and is part of Meta's $145 billion capital expenditure plan.
Nine US industry trade groups warned the Trump administration that the rapid expansion of AI data centers is consuming a large share of memory chip capacity, driving up prices and straining supplies for other critical industries like automotive and healthcare.
SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, announced plans for a $75 billion IPO at $135 per share. The company aims to raise funds for AI data centers and expanding its Starlink satellite network. If successful, it would be the largest IPO in history.
SoftBank Group has surpassed Toyota as Japan's most valuable company, driven by significant investments in AI, particularly OpenAI. SoftBank's market valuation reached $305 billion after a 14% stock surge, while Toyota's fell to $288 billion.
SoftBank plans a 75 billion euro AI data center investment in France by 2031, highlighting France's nuclear power advantage. Analysts warn Big Tech's energy demands will strain Europe's grid, with nuclear power and SMRs seen as potential solutions.
Erin Brockovich's new website maps US AI data centers, highlighting community concerns over water, electricity, and health impacts, with Texas, particularly Sulfur Springs, leading in reports amid MSB Global's large project facing local pushback.
Americans are increasingly concerned about AI, with 70% believing it's moving too fast and over half holding negative views. Data centers powering AI face strong local opposition due to environmental and infrastructure concerns, leading 11 US states to propose bans or restrictions.
A Gallup survey reveals 71% of Americans oppose having AI data centers in their local areas due to resource strain, pollution, and quality-of-life concerns. Supporters cite job opportunities and economic benefits.
As public support for large-scale data center buildouts declines across the U.S., a new type designed to operate inside individual homes is coming.
Massive new data centers are the physical foundation for tech companies’ hopes and dreams for AI. But the rush to expand warehouses full of energy-hungry servers has also kicked up fights across the world over their impact on power grids, utility bills, nearby communities, and the environment.  From audacious plans to launch data centers into […]
Claims of nimbyism are a misunderstanding: the movement is about whether regular people have a say in fundamental decisionsSince the surreal scene at the 2024 presidential inauguration, when a row of big tech titans took their VIP seats and signaled their new alliance with Maga, the Trump administration has rolled out the red carpet for Silicon Valley’s AI ambitions and shareholder priorities.Washington has doled out billions in lucrative federal subsidies and contracts to the cash-rich sector, bloating an AI bubble that experts warn may imperil the entire economy while prohibiting any guardrails on the fast-moving technology. Continue reading...
