Inside the “New Luddite” Movement Pushing Back Against AI’s Data Center Boom

Thursday, August 20 | 1pm ET

As AI infrastructure is rapidly developing across the nation, so is the anti-data center movement. A POLITICO poll this month found that more Americans oppose data centers than support them. Communities living near data centers are complaining of environmental pollution, health risks, and more. In response, a new generation of “Luddites” are pushing for moratoriums and stricter regulations.

As lawmakers, corporations, and community members clash over the industry’s future, the question remains: who gets to define what technological progress looks like?

The stakes are only intensifying as data centers become a more central issue to voters — with both Democrats and Republicans recalibrating their messaging ahead of November midterms. Join POLITICO reporters for a discussion on the politics of AI and what the brewing backlash means.