Data center expansion becomes a flashpoint over power grids, bills, and local communities

Massive data centers are the physical backbone of tech companies' AI ambitions, but their rapid buildout has sparked disputes worldwide over grid strain, utility costs, and environmental effects. Data centers emerged as a bipartisan issue ahead of the 2026 midterms, and voters largely opposed expansion at the polls. OpenAI, Amazon, and other tech giants have pledged closer work with local communities and to cover their data center energy costs. After the election, Democratic leaders have called for further restrictions and slowdowns that AI companies will need to address. The Verge is tracking the ongoing coverage of these facilities and the firms building them.