U.S.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright pushed back against growing criticism of data center expansion, calling environmental and job-loss concerns "overblown." On Tuesday, speaking at an Amazon Web Services conference, Wright said, "The pluses are way bigger than the minuses," urging industry supporters to counter critics directly.
Wright Defends Water, Power Use The energy chief argued expanded data center capacity will ultimately lower electricity costs and said water consumption is minimal relative to the benefits.
"There's probably no higher value use of water, full stop," he said.
Wright compared the backlash to anti-fracking campaigns from 15 years ago, predicting the industry will again prevail over critics.
