Growing Backlash to AI Data Centers

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Great to speak with Julie Hyman on Yahoo Finance from the Pacific Telecommunications Conference in Honolulu, where many of the world’s major stakeholders responsible for building global data center infrastructure were in attendance.

We talked about the massive push to build AI data centers and the real world challenges that come with it. Demand for digital infrastructure is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, but the path forward is not just about speed or capital. Community concerns, answering complicated questions honestly, permitting hurdles, and power availability are shaping how and where this infrastructure gets built.

What made the discussion especially timely was how closely it mirrored the conversations happening throughout PTC. Again and again, the focus returned to what it takes during the approval process and the need for earlier, more open engagement with communities. Innovation and investment matter, but they cannot stand alone.

AI is transforming how we live and work, and the facilities behind it matter more than ever. Building them responsibly means partnering with communities and planning for the long term, not just the next cycle of demand.

I appreciated the thoughtful discussion and the opportunity to share how Clayco is approaching this next chapter of infrastructure growth.

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