AI Data Center Boom Raises Environmental and Economic Concerns Across US

The U.S. economy is witnessing a significant transition as the former General Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio, is being repurposed into a manufacturing hub for artificial intelligence (AI) equipment by major players like Foxconn, OpenAI, and SoftBank, signaling a shift from traditional manufacturing to tech-driven industries. This AI surge, while boosting investment in software, chipmaking, and data centers, raises concerns about its impact on President Trump's goal of reviving traditional American manufacturing sectors, as AI demands substantial capital, power, and labor. Meanwhile, the expansion of AI data centers, exemplified by Amazon's planned facility in Pennsylvania, has prompted calls from independent monitors and local leaders for federal oversight to protect consumers from potential electricity cost burdens and grid reliability issues. Community discussions, such as those led by Lehigh University's ACES initiative, emphasize the need to balance the economic benefits of AI data centers with concerns over electricity and water usage to avoid straining local resources and increasing residential utility costs. Public concern about the environmental impact of AI infrastructure is growing, with nearly half of Americans worried about the substantial energy and water consumption of data centers, which could lead to stricter regulations and higher operational costs for businesses reliant on AI. This evolving landscape highlights the tension between technological advancement and sustainable, equitable economic development in the American heartland and beyond.