Democracy Dies in DarknessElectricity costs are rising in key markets, but the loudest fears are badly overstated.May 13, 2026High-voltage transmission lines provide electricity to data centers in Loudoun County, Virginia. (Ted Shaffrey/AP)Building out data centers is essential to capturing the benefits of the artificial intelligence revolution, but burgeoning political backlash threatens to hinder progress. While AI advocates have a good case to make to win over skeptics, the challenge is steep.