Data Center Developers Rethink Community Strategy as Opposition Grows

At the Data Center World Power event in Dallas, developers discussed growing community pushback over power, water and electricity rates as AI infrastructure expands. Experts urge transparency and on-site power generation: Northeast Louisiana permits data centers in 15 days versus over a year elsewhere.

• Northeast Louisiana permits data centers in 15 days versus over a year in other states
• EIA expects record US electricity consumption in 2026 driven by data centers
• Many developers are willing to build power plants at their own expense and share power locally
• Transparency and early community engagement are called essential for new projects