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Resistance grows nationwide against AI data center boom

To fuel their artificial intelligence initiatives, tech companies are building massive numbers of AI data centers, with more than 4,000 in operation across the country. But some communities, wary of the environmental and financial implications of such facilities in their backyards, are fighting back

Published August 2, 2026, 2:12 PM
Updated August 2, 2026, 2:28 PM2.4K
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Resistance grows nationwide against AI data center boom

To fuel their artificial intelligence initiatives, tech companies are building massive numbers of AI data centers, with more than 4,000 in operation across the country. But some communities, wary of the environmental and financial implications of such facilities in their backyards, are fighting back. "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa examines the drive to construct AI data centers, and the debate between opponents and AI advocates. (Originally broadcast April 12, 2026.)

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