The growing opposition to data centers in the United States is creating a challenge for technology companies. Amazon Web Services (AWS) CEO Matt Garman says Americans cannot oppose new data center projects while expecting services such as Netflix and artificial intelligence (AI) to keep growing.
Garman believes many people rely on digital services without fully understanding the infrastructure behind them. Data centers support streaming platforms, cloud computing, business applications and AI tools. These services need large amounts of computing power to operate.
Speaking on the A16z Show podcast, Garman argued that Amazon needs to explain the role of data centers more clearly. He also warned that restrictions on new facilities could affect America’s position in the global AI race.
Why AWS Says Data Centers Are Important for Netflix and AI
Data centers house the computer servers and networking equipment that run online services. They store information, process requests and help applications deliver content to users.
Netflix is one example of a service that depends on cloud infrastructure. The streaming company moved its computing operations to AWS, and Amazon’s cloud platform continues to support much of its infrastructure.
This connection highlights a point Garman wants people to understand. Many popular online services depend on facilities that users rarely see. AI services also require significant computing resources. Companies need servers, specialized chips and reliable power supplies to train AI models and run them for customers.
As demand for AI tools grows, technology companies are investing in more data centers. However, these projects are facing greater scrutiny from local communities across the United States.
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Rising Local Opposition Creates Challenges for Data Center Expansion
Data center construction has become a source of debate in several parts of the country. Residents and local officials have raised concerns about electricity demand, water consumption, noise and environmental effects.
Large facilities can require substantial amounts of electricity. Their impact on local power systems depends on factors such as the project’s size, its energy supply and the available grid capacity.
Water use is another concern, particularly in areas that face shortages. Some data centers use water for cooling, while others rely on different cooling systems.
Residents also want to know whether new facilities will create enough local jobs and tax revenue to justify their costs. These concerns have led some communities to oppose projects or consider restrictions on construction.
The debate puts technology companies in a difficult position. They want to expand their infrastructure to meet rising demand. At the same time, they must address concerns from the people who live near proposed sites.
Poll Finds 71% of Voters Oppose Local AI Data Center Projects
Public resistance remains a major challenge for companies planning new facilities. A Fox News poll published in September 2026 found that 71% of registered voters opposed building AI data centers in their local communities.
The survey included 1,211 registered voters. It also found that 52% supported building data centers in remote locations, while 44% opposed the idea. This shows that many voters distinguish between supporting AI infrastructure and having a facility built near their homes.
Concerns about electricity bills, water supplies and environmental effects remain central to the debate. Technology companies must address these issues if they want local communities to support new projects.
Amazon Plans $1 Billion Investment in Data Center Communities
Amazon is also trying to address concerns about its data center expansion. On October 2, 2026, the company announced its Built Together initiative. The program commits more than $1 billion in additional funding over five years for communities near its US data centers.
The investment will support education, job training, energy affordability and water preservation. Amazon also plans to expand access to free community college programs for more than 300,000 students. Its workforce initiative aims to train up to 100,000 learners annually by the end of 2028.
These commitments are intended to help local residents benefit from data center development. However, their impact will depend on how the programs are implemented and whether they address the concerns of individual communities.
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Data Center Expansion Faces a Test as Community Concerns Grow
The debate over data centers highlights a growing challenge for the technology industry. Demand for cloud computing and AI services is increasing, but local opposition can delay or block new construction.
For Amazon, the issue goes beyond building more facilities. The company must also explain how its infrastructure supports everyday services and how local communities can benefit from new projects.
At the same time, residents want clear information about electricity use, water consumption, pollution and potential effects on household bills. These concerns require practical answers rather than assurances alone.
The future of data center expansion in the United States will depend on how companies, communities and policymakers handle these competing priorities.
As AI adoption grows, the need for computing infrastructure is likely to remain an important part of the debate. The challenge will be to expand that infrastructure while addressing its local costs and environmental impact.
