Lee Zeldin Blasts the AI Data Center Fear Campaign and Calls on Leaders to 'Lean Into' AI

Lee Zeldin Blasts the AI Data Center Fear Campaign and Calls on Leaders to 'Lean Into' AI focused on the EPA administrator disputing public claims about how AI data centers affect water, electricity, and land use. Speaking amid mass protests over the weekend, Lee Zeldin said fears were “plainly false,” while arguing the Trump administration wants these facilities built correctly. He urged leaders to lean into AI infrastructure as the U.S. intensifies competition with China. Zeldin pushed for project-by-project evaluation, including whether bills rise or fall, whether the facility is a net user or provider for the grid, and how water is handled, such as whether systems are closed-loop or recyclable. He also cited analysis from the Manhattan Institute, saying data centers can reduce electricity costs in many regions and that water use is lower than comparisons like golf courses or residential irrigation. The remarks further claimed facilities can expand tax bases and reduce property taxes in Loudoun County, Virginia, where they generate between 40% and 50% of local tax revenue.