Amid a wave of backlash, some industry-friendly groups are employing creative and time-tested strategies to woo the youth.

From the Senate to governors’ mansions, candidates are trying to outcompete each other to be the most anti–data center in races across the US.

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,  data center projects in rural areas could be eligible for major tax benefits starting next year. Some hyperscalers do not seem eager to take the free cash.

Climate groups are latching onto the data center opposition movement, but it remains to be seen if they can get people to care about the facilities’ impact on the atmosphere.