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On with Kara SwisherEverything you’ve been wondering about data centers, explained
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Episode Details
EPISODE INFO
- Released
- August 6, 2026
- Duration
- 1h 12m
- Channel
- On with Kara Swisher
- Watch on YouTube
- ▶ Open ↗
EPISODE DESCRIPTION
As the AI boom fuels a massive data-center buildout, communities across the country are pushing back. Kara speaks with environmental activist and consumer advocate Erin Brockovich, Utah climate scientist Logan Mitchell, Virginia organizer Elena Schlossberg and Lansing, Mich., Mayor Andy Schor about the industry’s environmental and political impact. They examine the secretive deals and tax incentives behind many data-center projects, and they debate whether even responsibly designed developments can win community support. The panel also explores what meaningful guardrails might look like, whether cleaner energy and greater transparency could make data centers a genuine public benefit, and if it’s even possible to shift public opinion as data centers become increasingly wrapped up in a broader backlash against AI. 00:00 Introduction to data centers 07:15 Why data centers are causing backlash 09:15 The secrecy behind data center deals 16:20 Data center and water 30:30 Who should pay for AI? 35:15 Data centers and the power grid 41:05 What guardrails should exist? 56:20 What responsible data centers look like Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-with-kara-swisher/id1643307527 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/42ntT7XnfdbbYetUQu0vu5?si=ddbc94321e3948af FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onwithkaraswisher/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onwithkaraswisher?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-swisher-b7213 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@onwithkaraswisher Subscribe: https://goo.gl/FRleYo
SPEAKERS
Elena Schlossberg
guestVirginia-based grassroots organizer and former middle-school counselor focused on data-center development impacts and oversight.
Kara Swisher
hostJournalist and host of the podcast "On with Kara Swisher."
Andy Schor
guestMayor of Lansing, Michigan, discussing municipal policy and guardrails around proposed data centers.
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of On with Kara Swisher, featuring Elena Schlossberg and Kara Swisher, Everything you’ve been wondering about data centers, explained explores Why AI data centers are sparking backlash over water, power, secrecy Kara Swisher moderates a panel on why data centers—especially those tied to the AI boom—are triggering widespread, bipartisan local backlash across the U.S.
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