Blackstone Inc.’s QTS, Vantage Data Centers, Compass Datacenters, and Digital Realty have pledged to improve transparency around their data center projects. As founding members of Infrastructure for America, they commit to disclosing power demands, water use, and ownership structures to local communities. The firms also stated they will not require state and local governments to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which have faced backlash from residents seeking clarity.
Although the commitments are nonbinding, executives hope the initiative will establish industry standards and eliminate worst practices. The group aims to shift public opinion amid increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and communities. In the second quarter, organized opposition blocked or delayed at least 45 data center projects across the US, according to Data Center Watch.
Dana Adams, Vantage’s president of North America, emphasized the need for the industry to address valid concerns. The developers plan to avoid evaporative cooling, which causes significant water loss, especially in arid areas, and instead favor closed-loop systems. They also pledge to pay for grid upgrades, support rate structures shielding data center costs from consumers, and participate in demand-response programs during grid emergencies.
The Trump administration has pressured data centers to cover their own energy and infrastructure costs while balancing AI advancement with voter concerns over rising electricity bills. A survey of 800 US voters found that support for data centers increases if they pay full electricity costs, minimize water use and noise, and create local jobs with competitive salaries. Facing regulatory scrutiny and public opposition, Infrastructure for America plans advertising to highlight data centers’ role in job creation and growth.
FTI Consulting, which has advised Exxon Mobil and Chevron Corp., is guiding the effort. Founding members include firms backed by major players in AI infrastructure, such as Silver Lake (Vantage), Brookfield Asset Management (Compass), and Blackstone (QTS).
Source: Bloomberg Markets · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing