Why Communities are Revolting Against Data Centers

[littlemissmartypants]

Runtime: 00:26:46

Artificial intelligence data centers are popping up across America, spurring fierce backlash because of their need for huge amounts of water and power. Is the AI revolution worth the price communities are paying? Horizons moderator William Brangham explores the impact of data centers with Michael Webber, author of "Power Trip: The Story of Energy," which was also made into a series on PBS.

Episode originally aired on June 12, 2026


Horizons From PBS News
About
Each week, leading experts and professionals in science, health, technology, and the environment address issues and explore headlines on hot topics like artificial intelligence, health, medicine, and climate science.

Horizons from PBS News is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, which is compatible with iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, LG TV, and Vizio. The series, hosted by William Brangham, explores science, health, technology, and environmental issues with leading experts.

[erronis]

1. Thank goddess PBS is still running freely!

And thank you for letting me know!

[littlemissmartypants]

4. My pleasure, erronis. ❤️

[Raven123]

2. Will watch later

The obvious: Data Center corporations are given tax breaks to build something that siphons resources and provides scant long term employment, and likely result in a net loss of jobs, increased resident tax burden, and higher energy costs without clear net positive benefit.

[erronis]

3. But we can be sure a few high-level decision makers in the communities get rich.

And move out of those communities before the bills come due.