Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast on May 13, 2026 – The Politics of Data Centers
Who decides where data centers get built?
Data Center
Facilities designed to house computer systems, servers, and other related equipment, data centers support critical computing functions. Many technology companies are building data centers across various states to support artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
Data Center
Data Centers Economic Benefits Are Overstated, Advocates Say
Promised tax revenue and job growth often fall short.
AI
Silicon Valley Progressive Democrat Calls for ‘New Social Contract’ for AI
Does not support moratorium on data center construction proposed by fellow progressives Bernie Sanders and AOC.
Data Center
Data Center Boom Meets Resistance in Maine: Lawmakers Pass a Yearlong Freeze
Anti-data center bills have been introduced in at least a dozen states.
Data Center
States are Struggling to Meet Their Clean Energy Goals. Data Centers are to Blame
States across the country are struggling to meet their clean energy goals due to the increase in demand.
AI
Opposition Toward OpenAI Brings Two Violent Attacks on CEO’s Home
Two incidents in four days at Sam Altman’s San Francisco residence highlight AI backlash.
Data Center
House Bill to Offset Data Centers' Impact on Energy Costs Introduced
Lawmakers say utilities are increasingly passing infrastructure costs to households.
Hyperscale Data Centers to Reach 67% of Global Capacity by 2031
Cloud giants rapidly expanding infrastructure as AI demand accelerates.
Data Center
Sangamon County, Illinois, Approves $500M Data Center After Heated Debate
Critics warn the project could strain local resources while offering limited long-term benefits
Data Center
First Data Center Project Enters Federal 'FAST' Permitting Program
Designation responds to federal push to streamline approvals for AI infrastructure amid rising demand.
Data Center
Anchorage Blocks New Data Centers in ‘Residential Zones’
The ordinance adopts a new land use policy and environmental disclosure requirements for data centers.
Data Center
Backlash Over $6B Data Center Flips Festus City Council
Officials who supported the 360-acre data center were ousted in the election.
Data Center
Wisconsin Town Votes to Restrict Tax Incentives for OpenAI Data Center
The referendum reflects growing local backlash to large-scale AI infrastructure projects.
AI
Political Battle Over Data Centers Turns Violent in Indianapolis
About thirteen shots were fired at Indiana councilman’s home after he voted in support of a data center rezoning measure
Data Center
The Case for Open Access Hyperscale Data Center Networks
The infrastructure powering hyperscale data centers risks bypassing the very communities that host it.
Data Center
Democrats See Georgia's Failure to Curb Data Centers as an Electoral Gift
Efforts to pass stricter regulations or limit tax breaks stalled before lawmakers ended their annual session Thursday.
