How local communities are challenging Big Tech data centers’ noise, pollution and rising electricity bills

Local needs, political tensions and corporate power all get involved in the democratic processes by which Americans govern their communities.

By: Rachel Mural, Harvard Kennedy School, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 18, 2026

Words: 1,075

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Rachel Mural, Harvard Kennedy School

As the race to build data centers across the United States accelerates, local governments worry that the tech industry mantra of “move fast and break things” means their communities are at risk of being broken.

I’m a Harvard researcher studying the relationship between data centers and energy. I’ve closely monitored how local governments respond to proposals or even just concerns about the potential for data centers in their …

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