Americans are rallying against data centers. Surprisingly few are actually getting built
- AI companies have announced plans for 3,969 new U.S. data centers, according to Aterio, yet only 802 are currently under construction, with about 60% of capacity planned for 2027 having not begun development.
- The American Edge Project estimates the U.S. needs 500,000 electricians, 300,000 welders, and 550,000 plumbers to meet buildout deadlines; Joe Macejak, head of Marsh Risk, stated contractors cannot work if labor is tied up in existing projects.
- Historically, around 72% of data center capacity comes online on time, according to Goldman Sachs; wait times for generation step-up transformers tripled, while GE Vernova reported bookings for power generators doubled to $200 billion.
- A recent Gallup poll showed 71% of Americans oppose data centers, prompting regulatory pushback; New York and Texas recently implemented temporary bans on such facilities.
- Last week, Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari noted data center spending fuels inflation, while Columbia Business School professor Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh expects only 180 gigawatts of 565 gigawatts planned will actually be built.
26 Articles
26 Articles
While plans to build artificial intelligence (AI) data centers are increasing in the United States, it appears that only a fraction of these projects have actually begun construction. The pace of data center expansion is failing to keep up with original plans due to a combination of shortages in power, construction materials, and skilled personnel, as well as delays in licensing. On the 7th (local time), CNN, citing data center research firm Art…
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NOTUSTrump is losing the battle with public opinion on data centers
This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s partnership with NOTUS, a nonpartisan news organization that covers government and politics with the fresh eyes of early career journalists and the expertise of veteran reporters. The residents of Boulder City, Nevada, are raging mad at the federal government. The Trump administration unilaterally approved a data center on a tract of public land within the city’s jurisdiction this summer witho…
People don't really like AI data centers.
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