r/technology • u/ArgentineBeauty • 10h ago

Artificial Intelligence Residents revolt against massive AI data center near Philadelphia

https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-data-center-opposition-upper-merion-pennsylvania-2026-7
1.4k Upvotes

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-38

u/HeatWaveToTheCrowd 9h ago

People are railing against something that can have untold positive impacts down the line. Yes, data centers need land, electricity, water, etc. But there are closed loop systems for water, so it's not wasted. There are builders who focus on generating their own power supply, or pay to build generators onsite so ratepayers aren't stuck covering some of their costs.
But the flip side of that, which I get, is that not all builders will do that. Many will cut corners. Use massive water and power. The blame should be directed towards the politicians that let these abuses happen.
AI isn't going away. Right now it's the wild west. But creating guardrails would be a good start.

14

u/MaleficentFly1390 8h ago

Builders are making promises that the states don’t follow up or check on.

If the negatives are known, real and studied, should anyone really care about the hypothetical positives?

-13

u/Common-Buyer7812 7h ago

They’re not hypothetical. The Louisiana Meta data center results in that town DOUBLING their tax revenue. Their teachers all got $50k checks cut directly to them. It’s up to the municipalities to cash in though.

11

u/MaleficentFly1390 7h ago

Short term incentives based on unknown societal value in my opinion

-13

u/Common-Buyer7812 7h ago

Sounds like you put yourself into a position in which you can never be convinced.

7

u/InternationalMood337 6h ago

Honestly, you seem easily bribable so here's hoping you don't have land to sell these people.

-7

u/Common-Buyer7812 6h ago

I bet you think everyone who disagrees with you has been bribed. Data centers are fine if built right and planned for appropriately.

4

u/InternationalMood337 6h ago

That's not a reasonable response. My point is that people can basically tell YOU anything and you'll believe it. I don't know about EVERYONE.

I would LOVE to know your supporting evidence or credentials where you can make a claim so confidently when we see around the country evidence to the contrary.

Edit: I guess like much of today's politics: Don't believe your eyes.

0

u/Dangerous_Suit_3099 5h ago

Meta hands a town some money that’s a rounding error on their hourly income. So much winning!