AXIOS (Hans Nichols) - Exclusive: AI giants, unions join forces for data center fight
AI companies, private equity firms and unions are looking beyond 2026 in the data center debate , banding together to form a new multimillion-dollar coalition to make the case for responsible growth in seven key states. Why it matters: The new group, the American Infrastructure Alliance, wants to partner with state and local officials to create standards and guardrails for data centers in 2027. In return, the coalition hopes to head off moratoriums on new construction. The group is planning initial campaigns in Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Indiana and South Carolina. - The alliance is backed by Blackstone, OpenAI, QTS and SoftBank Group, along with key unions, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers…
What legislative actions have been proposed by progressives regarding data center construction?
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) have unveiled legislation to pause all new data center construction nationwide until AI safeguards are in place.
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What did the group's polling reveal regarding public opinion of data centers in Ohio?
The group's polling found that data centers are unpopular in Ohio, with 67% of those surveyed holding an unfavorable opinion and 18% holding a favorable impression. However, the poll noted these numbers change when data centers pledge to keep electricity costs low, create jobs, and generate tax revenue.
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What specific unions are members of the American Infrastructure Alliance?
The unions involved include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (HFIAW), the International Association of Iron Workers, and the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA).
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Which major corporations and organizations are backing the American Infrastructure Alliance?
The alliance is backed by Blackstone, OpenAI, QTS, and SoftBank Group, along with unions such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Q&A ID 15e5ffce-c709-4a82-8bc0-fbf62a6ed350
Which specific states are included in the American Infrastructure Alliance's initial campaign plans?
The group is planning initial campaigns in Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and South Carolina.
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What is the name of the multimillion-dollar coalition formed by AI companies, private equity firms, and unions to advocate for data center growth?
The coalition is named the American Infrastructure Alliance. They aim to partner with state and local officials to create standards and guardrails for data centers in 2027 to prevent construction moratoriums.
Q&A ID 24f80e99-cf70-4e08-a368-f43c58a957b5