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Microsoft's Brad Smith pushes Big Tech to 'pay our way' for AI data centers amid rising opposition
- Microsoft argues private companies should pay for AI data centers' infrastructure costs, not taxpayers, as they expand across the U.S.
- Trump signaled support for Microsoft’s approach in a Truth Social post, saying he doesn’t want Americans to pay the tab for data centers.
- Opposition in communities centers on electricity costs, water use, and potential impacts on local life and property values.
- Smith said electricity is a heavier lift than other resources and stressed private investment in transmission and substations.
- Microsoft aims to stay on track with its 2030 carbon-negative goal while sometimes using natural gas, and pursuing carbon-free energy sources.
- Wisconsin electricity planning is urged, but Microsoft argues against pausing data center approvals.
- Microsoft will invest in a 150-megawatt solar farm and other grid improvements in Wisconsin.
- Smith highlighted that private sector funding can support cleaner energy like carbon-free sources across the grid.
- The AP interview framed data centers as a local cost/benefit issue for communities.
- Smith described progress as 'lumpy, not linear' in achieving carbon and grid goals by 2030.
- The article notes Democratic and environmental concerns about data centers' environmental and energy costs.
- AP reporters Todd Richmond and Marc Levy contributed to the Wisconsin-focused aspects of the piece.
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