As the AI boom accelerates demand for massive computing infrastructure, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is warning that communities living near data centers are increasingly paying the price through rising utility costs, strained resources and environmental concerns.

AI Data Centers Face Growing Backlash Over Energy And Water Use

Over the weekend, Warren criticized the rapid expansion of AI-focused data centers, arguing that nearby communities are shouldering the burden of their growing power needs.

"Families living next to data centers are facing nonstop noise, pollution, and higher utility bills," Warren wrote on X, adding, "Enough is enough."

The Massachusetts Democrat also shared a video from More Perfect Union showing residents describing sediment-filled water, weak water pressure and the need for additional water storage, which they attributed to rising infrastructure demands tied to nearby data centers.

In the video, Warren argued that ordinary households should not bear the costs of powering trillion-dollar technology companies.

"Americans shouldn't be subsidizing the cost of these data centers," she said.

The senator also highlighted claims that electricity costs have increased by as much as 267% over the last five years for families living near large-scale data centers.

AI Infrastructure Boom Puts Pressure On Power Grids

The criticism comes as countries and states increasingly grapple with the energy demands created by AI and cloud computing growth.

Earlier this month, Denmark temporarily paused new grid connections for data centers, highlighting concerns that even regions with strong renewable energy capacity are facing resource constraints.

In the U.S., opposition is also mounting. Maine nearly moved to block new data center construction, while lawmakers and regulators in states including Virginia and Oklahoma are considering stricter oversight or potential moratoriums.

AI Data Centers Face Growing Political Scrutiny

President Donald Trump has also weighed in. During his State of the Union address in February, he introduced a "Rate Payer Protection" initiative aimed at requiring large technology companies to generate more of their own electricity, arguing the nation's aging grid cannot keep pace with soaring demand.

Separately, AI data center projects backed by investor Kevin O'Leary in Utah are facing tighter state scrutiny amid concerns over environmental impacts and resource use.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has also urged federal authorities to investigate the environmental effects of data center expansion after residents living near Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) Georgia facility reported issues including discolored well water, reduced water pressure and damage to household appliances.