Amazon warns $68 billion in blocked data centers threatens US AI lead

Amazon has issued grave warnings to communities opposing data centers, stating that their actions could cause irreversible damage to the U.S. economy and national security. In a lengthy 3000-word post earlier today, October 2, CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Matt Garman detailed the many benefits of Artificial Intelligence, comparing the technology’s impact on the economy to those of modern transportation systems and the Internet, before attempting to debunk “myths” around data centers and calling on local communities to be more receptive to build-outs as a matter of national urgency. The post also details Amazon's plans to do more for data center host communities through its “Built Together” community investment frameworks.

After outlining AI’s impact and the need for data center buildouts, Garman explained why it was imperative for the U.S. to lead the AI race. “The countries that lead in AI will shape it and get the most from it in the short and long run. …