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WIRED Schedules Subscriber Livestream on Rising Data Center Opposition

September 10, 2026 at 11:03 EDT

Infra & Chips
Policy & Regulation

WIRED is scheduling a subscriber-only livestream on September 10 to examine the growing backlash against data centers, the physical infrastructure behind much of the AI boom. The event is set for 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT, will take audience questions, and will be followed by a replay for subscribers, according to the event details.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 · AI INFRASTRUCTURE

THE DATA CENTER BACKLASH

A subscriber livestream will examine why the infrastructure behind AI has become a political, environmental, and community flashpoint.

Opposition is broad—and intense

Local resistance reaches beyond party lines, with strong opposition forming a large share of the total.

71%

Oppose

48%

Strongly oppose

Each block represents approximately 10 percentage points; labels show exact responses.

The infrastructure scale

649 TWh

Reference-case U.S. data center electricity use in 2030

11.8%

Share of total U.S. electricity in the 2030 reference case

+12 pts

Rise in local opposition from spring to summer 2026

What communities are weighing

Economic upside

Supporters point to jobs, tax revenue, and broader economic benefits.

Local costs

Critics cite water and energy demand, pollution and noise, land use, and utility costs.

THE LOCAL QUESTION

AI use does not erase local resistance

People who use AI often view its national impact more positively, but local data-center opposition remained 60% among heavy users and 64% among nonusers.

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