Amazon warns blocking data centers could cost US the AI race — SkimNews
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- Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services, published a 3,000+ word blog urging US communities not to block AI data center projects, writing that "our nation can't afford to lose" the race for AI dominance and warning of irreparable economic and national security harm.
- Garman said over 100 data center moratoriums are being considered across the country, claiming enacting them would have consequences "lasting generations."
- Garman alleged that there are "widespread reports of various countries intentionally seeding misinformation in the US about data centers to trick us into slowing down."
- Amazon rolled out a "Data Center Commitment" pledging to create local jobs, prevent increases to local energy rates, and invest more than $1 billion in communities neighboring its data centers.
- Amazon confirmed it no longer uses nondisclosure agreements with government agencies, after Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin probed tech companies about secret deals with local officials.
- David Zapolsky, Amazon's chief global affairs and legal officer, told The Wall Street Journal that "the industry comes from a history of secrecy and so some of that's just reflex" regarding the prior use of NDAs.
- Support for AI data centers has plummeted in polls amid nationwide backlash over jobs, power demands, and environmental impact.
Why it matters: Amazon's CEO-level intervention comes as over 100 data center moratoriums are under consideration and public support for AI data centers has plummeted in polls. The $1 billion community investment pledge, energy-rate guarantees, and end of NDAs with local officials represent Amazon's response to organized local opposition over jobs, power demands, and environmental concerns.
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