The US tech industry is spending millions to fix data centers’ image problem. The community backlash has also made data centers a political flashpoint.
With community opposition growing, data center backers are going on a full-scale public relations blitz. Around Christmas in Virginia, which boasts the highest concentration of data centers in the country, one advertisement seemed to air nonstop. “Virginia’s data centers are … investing billions in clean energy,” a voice-over intoned over sweeping shots of shiny solar panels. “Creating good-paying jobs”—cue men in yellow safety vests and hard hats—“and building a better energy future.”
