The increasing public resistance to the expansion of artificial intelligence has caught the attention of leaders across various sectors.
Berkshire Hathaway's CEO Greg Abel commented in a CNBC interview with Becky Quick that there is a noticeable rise in community pushback regarding these developments in the U.S. He expressed the company's willingness to collaborate with large tech firms, provided it does not negatively affect their other customers' rates.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick characterized the opposition to data centers in the United States as "propaganda by our adversaries." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized companies for inadequately communicating the advantages of AI infrastructure to the public, labeling their efforts as "horrendous."
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro voiced his concerns on "Squawk on the Street," asserting that many data center developers exhibit indifference towards the communities where they plan to establish their projects. "We've encountered numerous developers who disregard our communities and attempt to override local concerns. Such data center projects are not welcome here. We seek partnerships with those who are genuinely committed to collaborating with local populations," he stated.
David Sacks, co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, suggested that there is significant potential for mutually beneficial relationships between local communities, data centers, and AI companies. In his appearance on "Squawk on the Street," he emphasized that he does not believe excessive regulation is necessary to navigate these concerns.
