Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently addressed criticisms from former President Donald Trump regarding his decision to halt data center development. During his appearance on ‘The Sunday Briefing,’ Abbott also discussed a controversial surrogacy case and the decision by DFW Airport to abandon plans for Islamic foot-washing stations.
For several decades, Silicon Valley has successfully captured consumer loyalty. People frequently use Apple iPhones, Amazon Alexas, Google services, and Microsoft products. Americans are eager to adopt new technologies, including health tracking devices, smart doorbells, and robotic vacuums. However, the tech industry now faces a unique challenge: widespread opposition from the American public.
Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers have become unpopular. Despite the tech industry’s contribution to modern living tools, it struggles in political advocacy. Although the industry funds a vast political apparatus, focusing on issues such as privacy and intellectual property, it is not prepared for AI’s needs involving power plants, transmission lines, and community approvals.
Local resistance has disrupted or postponed $64 billion in data center projects from May 2024 to March 2025. A Gallup poll showed that 71% of Americans oppose data centers in their areas, a level of opposition surpassing that against nuclear power plants. New York recently became the first state to ban data centers.
Tech companies, though influential in Washington, lose at local hearings and state legislatures. The issue is structural rather than communicative. While tech companies have historically focused on major policy battles in Washington, they now face numerous local challenges.
Activist groups such as Food & Water Watch, Greenpeace, and Friends of the Earth are leading the opposition. Over 230 organizations are advocating for a national data center moratorium. Though labeled as environmental groups, they are powerful political entities with experienced lawyers and activists.
These groups can turn local concerns about electricity rates and water use into broad campaigns against technology. Examples in history, such as the opposition to fracking and nuclear energy, show how these movements can affect industries.
Despite the challenges, the tech industry can learn from past experiences. The shale gas industry prevailed because of its direct benefits to local communities, creating local defenders. Conversely, the nuclear industry faced extended opposition due to underestimating its value in the 1970s.
Nuclear energy is now essential due to AI’s electricity needs, but the data center opposition is progressing quickly. Activists coordinate legal strategies and share communication tactics nationwide.
The tech industry needs a robust response. AI companies should invest in dedicated energy sources to protect existing users, improve local infrastructure, support schools, and foster economic growth. Hiring individuals familiar with local and state politics can also build community trust.
Silicon Valley’s significant investments in AI’s infrastructure should be matched with efforts to garner public support. Proponents must focus on empowering communities, prosperity, and security, avoiding negative terminology.
Author Aiden Buzetti is the president of the Bull Moose Project.
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