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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Anne D’innocenzio

Amazon launches new community initiative after data center backlash

  • Amazon is allocating $1 billion over the next five years to support local communities hosting its data centers amid growing backlash from consumers and politicians.
  • Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon's cloud computing arm, announced the funding will support local education, job training, water preservation projects, and other community priorities.
  • Amazon is eliminating nondisclosure agreements with local government agencies and hosting public open houses to counter what Garman described as misinformation driving over 100 data center moratoriums.
  • The investment aligns with Amazon raising its 2026 capital expenditure forecast to $220 billion to build out physical infrastructure for artificial intelligence and cloud networks.
  • Although President Donald Trump supports expanding data center construction, roughly six in ten Americans favor capping new facilities due to concerns over water supplies and rising electricity costs.

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