The social, economic, and environmental impacts of data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly important issues facing communities across the country. Although most existing data centers are in urban areas, about two-thirds of new planned facilities are slated for rural communities, where larger sites can accommodate their growing need for developable land (Melotte, 2026). However, many rural communities have no experience hosting this emerging infrastructure (Seets and Radde, 2026). The pace of these developments, the increased media attention, and public opinion has begun to affect how states and communities respond.  

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