Data Center Boom Continues Despite Backlash

Sean Moran Investigative Reporter, Technology September 02, 2026 2:32 PM ET Construction of data centers continues to boom despite the growing public backlash against artificial intelligence-linked construction in American communities. Data center construction rose by 57%, comparing July ’26 to July ‘25, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, a frenzied pace despite strong opposition. Rising energy costs, increased local opposition and heightened state scrutiny of data center construction may start slowing data center construction, Yelena Malyev, a KPMG senior economist, wrote.Data center construction spending grew by more than $75 billion in July, although it only covered the construction costs for the warehouse-style structures, commonly referred to as shells, per the U.S. Census Bureau. A