US Energy Chief Says AI Data Center Fears Overblown, Urges Supporters to Speak Up

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said public worries about AI data centers aren't baseless, but they're blown out of proportion. He urged supporters to push back against critics concerned about environmental impact and job losses, stressing the benefits outweigh the downsides.

Wright argued more data centers can lower electricity costs, and their water use is tiny compared to the value they create. But a Gallup poll in May found 70% of 1,000 US adults oppose building AI data centers in their neighborhoods, with nearly half strongly against it.

Over 1,400 data centers have been built or approved in the US by end of last year. Their rapid growth sparks debates over water and power use, with large sites draining resources in dry areas and diesel generators hurting air quality. Opaque ownership also makes it hard for locals to know the true scale of projects.