The US data center industry is facing a unique challenge: despite widespread public opposition, political resistance remains scarce. This phenomenon, dubbed 'the great unifier', brings together people from diverse political backgrounds to oppose the construction of new data centers. But why is this happening? And what does it mean for the future of US democracy?
A Perfect Storm of Forces
Christy McGillivray, a former Sierra Club Michigan lobbyist, describes the situation as a 'perfect, wild storm'. This storm is fueled by a confluence of powerful forces, including national Republican and Democrat leadership vying for big tech's financial favor, and the interests of big tech, the fossil fuel industry, utility companies, and the AFL-CIO all aligned in support of data centers. This alignment has created a political landscape where the issue of data centers has become a lightning rod for public frustration, with many residents fearing increased energy bills, water depletion, rural community destruction, pollution, and the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure.
The Great Unifier
The data center issue has become a 'great unifier', bringing together people who can agree on little else. This is particularly evident in Michigan, where a coalition of right-wing 'Stop the Steal' activists and progressive groups like the Democratic Socialists of America have joined forces to oppose the construction of more than a dozen data centers. Despite this unity, political opposition remains scarce, with only 28% of Michigan residents supporting new data centers, according to polling.
The Role of Big Money
The lack of political resistance can be attributed to the influence of big money in politics. Tech oligarchs have spent millions of dollars supporting Republicans, while only $52 million was spent supporting Democrats, according to a Guardian analysis. This imbalance has led to a political establishment that is tiptoeing around tech leaders, and a reluctance to take bold action on major problems.
The Battle for Democracy
The inaction in Congress has pushed the battles to the state level. In Georgia, a Democrat candidate for the state's public utility commission won in a landslide upset, in part because he campaigned on stronger regulation of the data center industry. However, in Michigan, a proposed data center backed by the Trump administration and the Michigan governor is receiving significant tax breaks, despite creating very few jobs and a history of not delivering on job or tax revenue creation estimates.
The Way Forward
Advocates are calling for stronger regulations and consumer protections, and for more candidates to make data centers a campaign issue. A campaign spearheaded by Food And Water Watch is working to educate lawmakers and connect local grassroots opposition to harness that energy and direct it at lawmakers. The broader issue, however, is money in politics, and the need for a more democratic and accountable political system.
Controversy and Counterpoint
The issue of data centers is a complex one, with varying opinions and interpretations. Some argue that the lack of political resistance is due to a lack of understanding of the issue among politicians, while others point to the influence of big money and the reluctance of the political establishment to take bold action. The debate continues, and the future of US democracy hangs in the balance.
