Explained, Data Center Boom, And Who Is Really Paying For AI

Data centers are going up across America at a record pace and neighbors are fighting back. In this explainer, Newsnation’s Elizabeth Prann breaks down the fight over the buildings powering the AI boom: what they are, why they’re spreading, and who pays for them. Thousands of data centers now operate nationwide, with hundreds more under construction, some dropped straight into downtowns, like the Miami facility beside luxury condos, where residents say the hum of the cooling fans never stops.

Now– New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the nation’s first statewide moratorium on hyperscale data centers, pausing permits for up to a year while the state writes new rules and moves to repeal industry tax breaks. President Trump, meanwhile, is pushing to centralize approvals federally. The question underneath it all being: who pays for A.I.?

Credits:

NewsNation National Correspondent: Elizabeth Prann

Executive Producer: Andy Gipson

Editorial Producer: Meagan Ourada

Segment Producer: Christine Jenkinson

Associate Producers: Mekhi Rhodes

Editor: John Nock