Amazon warns communities against blocking AI data centers, citing economic and security risks

Amazon’s cloud division, AWS, warned in a 3,000-word blog post that more than 100 U.S. communities are considering moratoriums on AI data center construction, which the company argues could cause "irreparable harm" to the U.S. economy and national security. The post, authored by AWS CEO Matt Garman, frames AI data center development as a geopolitical race the nation "can’t afford to lose."

Garman’s post claims that misinformation about data centers is being spread intentionally by foreign actors to slow U.S. AI infrastructure build-out, arguing that myths spread faster than facts in the social media era.

The company also announced a set of practices it calls a “Data Center Commitment,” including pledges to invest over $1 billion to support communities near its data centers and to avoid increasing local energy rates.

Amazon stated it no longer uses nondisclosure agreements with government agencies regarding data center projects, following scrutiny from lawmakers such as Rep. Jamie Raskin about secret deals with local officials.

Public support for AI data centers has declined in recent polls, and local opposition has grown alongside concerns about AI’s broader societal impact, including safety and environmental effects.