The myths fueling America’s AI data center backlash
Podcast: Reasonably OptimisticPublished On: Wed Sep 02 2026
Description: AI data centers have become America’s newest political villain — accused of draining local water supplies, overheating communities and sending electricity bills soaring. But some of the most alarming claims about their environmental impact are based on outdated estimates, missing context or questionable math.Host Megan McArdle is joined by writer and former high school physics teacher Andy Masley to separate the myths from the legitimate concerns and break down why misleading claims spread so easily.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.
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