How Data Center Backlash is Reshaping Politics
VERNON, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 14: An aerial view of a 49.5 megawatt three-level data center under construction on April 14, 2026 in Vernon, California. A surge in demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure is fueling a boom in data centers across the country and around the globe. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Airdate: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 9am
Opposition to data centers could play a role in who gets elected in November, especially in local races. Hundreds of new data centers have been popping up across the country, sparking backlash from residents who are worried about everything from water usage to machines destroying the economy. We’ll talk about the intensifying opposition to data centers and AI and how the issue could play out in the upcoming election.
Guest:
- Molly Taft, senior climate reporter, WIRED
- Kori Suzuki, south bay & imperial valley reporter, KPBS Public Media
- Abby André, co-executive director, The Impact Project
- Marifer Miranda, member and Pittsburg resident, Stop Pittsburg Data Center
- Joseph Geha, south bay digital editor, KQED