Meta has stepped up its public relations push for artificial intelligence, publishing a new overview on Oct. 8 that tackles common myths about its data centers. The company is spending hundreds of billions of dollars on new U.S. facilities to power its AI ambitions, and it is working to counter rising negative sentiment around those projects.
Growing Backlash Against Data Centers
The impact on host regions has been significant. Some areas have reported water contamination, strained utilities and damage to local infrastructure. Time Magazine reported in July that only a third of Americans approve of the pace of data center development, while more than 300 cities, towns and counties have introduced bans or moratoriums on hyperscale facilities. Meta fears this resistance could derail its AI plans, which is why its own team has been releasing explainers on the main concerns.
Meta Addresses Water, Power and Jobs
In the latest explainer, creator Tom Shaw addressed three myths. On water, he said cooling use is permitted, metered and counted in local water plans rather than carved out of them, adding that many Meta facilities use less water annually than an average U.S. golf course. On power, he said Meta works with utility companies years before construction begins, so new infrastructure is installed ahead of time with no impact on local supply. On jobs, he said data centers create work during both construction and ongoing operations, often making Meta the largest employer in the area.
Data centers have also become a political issue, with some candidates using their support or opposition to win votes. President Donald Trump has made his position clear. As ABC News reported, he said last month that communities should only reject data centers if they want to end up backwards and poor.
Even with presidential backing, Meta recognizes that public opposition could hurt its business over the long term. By addressing these concerns directly, the company hopes to ease community resistance and keep building.