The backlash against data centers, essential infrastructure for the artificial intelligence revolution, began in northern Virginia, the industry’s ground zero. Initial pushback centered on concerns over potential increases in utility prices.

Hyperscalers at the heart of the AI buildout, including Oracle and Meta, are now actively pushing back against this resistance. Rather than yielding ground, these companies are leveraging their balance sheets and economic data to shift the narrative, convincing municipalities that data centers drive local growth and raise living standards. 

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