The AI Policy Podcast

Unpacking the Data Center Backlash with Jasmine Sun

October 8, 2026·50 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

AI data centers have become a flashpoint for policymakers across the country in the leadup to midterm elections, with polls showing that seven in 10 Americans oppose new data center construction in their local area. In this episode of the AI Policy Podcast, Wadhwani AI Center director Aalok Mehta sits down with writer Jasmine Sun for a conversation about the AI data center backlash. They unpack what's driving the opposition movement, where Washington and Silicon Valley diverge from the rest of the country, and how the AI infrastructure buildout might influence voters in November. This event is made possible by general funding to CSIS and the CSIS Wadhwani AI Center.

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