Rural America is resisting the surge in data center construction

In Tazewell County, Illinois, local farmer Michael Deppert relies on an underground aquifer beneath his sandy fields to nurture his crops, including pumpkins, corn, and soybeans. The proposal for a data center just eight miles away raised significant concerns for him and his peers, as it could potentially deplete this vital water source, thereby threatening their yields and financial stability. As president of the local farm bureau, Deppert expressed the community's apprehension regarding the impact of the data center on their "good, clean drinking water." In response to these worries, residents rallied together, organizing a robust opposition that included packed city council meetings and petitions. Their efforts paid off when the project, spearheaded by Western Hospitality Partners, was ultimately abandoned. "You just can’t lay down and let everybody do whatever they wish," stated Deppert, encapsulating the spirit of the growing resistance. This incident reflects a broader trend across rural America, where communities are increasingly pushing back against the rapid rise of infrastructure needed for AI and cloud computing. Historically situated near urban centers, these data centers have begun migrating to rural areas, attracted by cheaper land and tax incentives. According to the Pew Research Center, a significant 67 percent of planned data centers are now earmarked for rural locales, contrasting sharply with the 87 percent of existing ones located in urban environments. Miquel Vila, lead analyst at Data Center Watch, noted that rural communities have become prime targets for this expansion. In the past three years alone, over 160 AI-specific data centers have emerged across the United States, marking a staggering 70 percent increase in the total number. However, as the industry grows, public sentiment has shifted. Recent research from Pew indicates that many Americans perceive data centers as more detrimental than beneficial, particularly regarding their environmental footprint, energy costs, and the quality of life for nearby residents.