AI data centers are rapidly expanding across the United States, but communities in New York, New Jersey, and beyond are pushing back. Why? Concerns over massive power consumption, water usage, environmental impact, tax incentives, and the future of artificial intelligence itself are fueling growing resistance to new AI infrastructure projects.
In this live Fox 5 New York segment, tech expert Shelly Palmer breaks down what AI data centers actually do, why they require enormous amounts of electricity, and why Americans are increasingly worried about having them built nearby. Shelly also explores the deeper fear driving the backlash: the growing realization that AI is transforming jobs, national security, energy infrastructure, and everyday life faster than most people expected.
Topics covered include:
* AI data centers explained
* Environmental impact of AI
* Power grid concerns and electricity usage
* Water consumption from hyperscale computing
* Why AI requires massive compute power
* National security implications of AI infrastructure
* Fear of AI replacing jobs
* Eric Schmidt’s AI comments and public reaction
* The future of artificial intelligence in America
Shelly Palmer is Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School and CEO of The Palmer Group.
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Original Airdate: May 19, 2026
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Author’s note: This is not a sponsored post. I am the author of this article and it expresses my own opinions. I am not, nor is my company, receiving compensation for it. This work was created with the assistance of various generative AI models.