A few weeks ago, I was having a politics conversation with a tech insider. The issue of datacenters became a focus of the conversation. The first response from him was “this is the issue that might decide 2026 and will certainly decide 2028.”
The tech side of the issue is essentially: As 5G wifi was to mobile connectivity, so too are the datacenters the cornerstone of nationwide AI rollout. Eventually, all of the datacenters will interconnect and become part of a massive information system that houses all knowledge, a great digital brain. From that point, engagement with Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems will become like a public utility.
The datacenters themselves can be a hot button issue as their proximity to people creates friction. Battles against datacenters are taking place in rural and non-rural areas alike. With deep pockets and strong national security arguments involving the “AI race,” the technocrats are currently winning the argument. However, as with all special interest issues, the opportunity for political benefit now determines DC advocacy. WATCH:
What are your thoughts on this issue?
Is opposition to datacenters strong enough to tilt the outcome of the 2026 midterms? And do you believe 2028 will be determined with this issue at the forefront?
I’ll vote against anyone who is in favor of data centers, even if our internet collapses.
Trump obtained a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” from these big companies building data centers. On top of that I have seen where states are putting Ratepayer Protection into state law. That would resolve electricity price increase concerns. In fact, it could actually lower local electric costs.
Another positive thing I have seen is that the old data centers have begun to retrofit their facilities with the new technology updates re water, noise, power, etc.
It is too soon for me to say if it will be an election issue. It really just depends on how things get messaged and handled politically.
This was from last year before temporary gas increases due to the Iran situation, but the general message is still the same from what I have seen.
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Daniel
@danielisdizzy
Kevin Warsh and Trump just made it clear why rates are going lower:
“AI is going to make almost everything cost less.
We’re at the front end of a productivity boom.
Economic growth won’t be inflationary — we’re in the early innings of a structural decline in prices.”
Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Jeff Bezos, and Stanley Druckenmiller all expect AI to be strongly deflationary.
The next few years are going to be insane.
Video linked….
@amuse
@amuse
FWIW: Data centers aren’t increasing your utility rates, Democrats are.
Cont….
Personally, I believe any and all new data centers should be required to use power ONLY from wind and solar.
Huh?
I don’t like either side much but to the extent the Chinese are actually paying influencers to stop it I’ll probably end up with tech. Sigh.
The sort of people who are “into” tech are mainly male, geeks, insensitive to others needs. That does not bode well for the world. Elon Musk has made his money mainly by government contracts.
Pres Trump needs to rein them in or those mid terms will be in danger.