Data centers are changing America's landscape, report says
Summary
Big technology companies are building many large data centers across the U.S. to support artificial intelligence. These centers often replace farms or natural land and use a lot of electricity, leading to concerns from local communities about energy and water use.Key Facts
- There are over 1,300 data centers in the U.S. today, with more than 2,200 projects planned or being built.
- About 100 data centers are called hyperscale because they use very large amounts of power, at least 100 megawatts.
- Around 60% of new hyperscale centers are built on farmland, shrubland, or forest, not previously developed land.
- These centers need so much electricity that some companies build their own power plants instead of relying on local power grids.
- Local communities have pushed back against data center construction due to concerns over water and electricity use.
- At least 45 data center projects were stopped in 27 states in early 2026 because of public opposition.
- Thirty states have made or proposed laws to control data center impacts on utilities and infrastructure.
- Some data center builders offer money or incentives to local residents to gain approval for their projects.
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