Why are AI data centers being delayed? We break down the statewide bans in Georgia, Maryland, and Oklahoma, and the environmental impact of huge AI data centers
You may avoid ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini because artificial intelligence, or AI, makes you nervous, but you probably use AI every day without even knowing it. Gallup reported in 2025 that 50% of Americans answered „no“ when asked if they had used an AI-enabled product in the past week. But when asked whether they used products that typically include artificial intelligence features, such as navigation and weather apps, social media, and even streaming platforms, 99% of those same respondents said yes. AI has slowly permeated our lives in ways that many don’t understand. The underlying infrastructure that supports artificial intelligence is vast, and it’s not completely understood how that can affect surrounding communities.
AI growth is exploding – ChatGPT is the fifth-most-visited website in the world, with more than five billion visits per month. Because AI requires massive amounts of data to learn and grow, the demand for AI has led to a rapid increase in the number of data centers.
