Maine’s data center revolt will decide who controls the Senate
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What's this about?
Maine Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, was midway through defending her record during the final debate of the midterms when an audience member cut her short. "I'm terrified," a man shouted. "AI data centers are destroying our climate. They are poisoning our water." Collins brushed off the outburst,
The one-panel cartoon
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A dimly lit data center with rows of humming servers, where an elderly lady in a winter coat and rubber boots is standing with a protest sign reading 'Save Our Lakes from Tech Goliath'
Caption: Susan Collins’ constituents are worried about more than just politics.
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Based on the original story on theverge.com.
Editor's note
The uproar over AI data centers highlights a growing awareness of the environmental impacts associated with technology infrastructure. It's crucial for policymakers like Senator Collins to address such concerns seriously, as public skepticism could sway not just local elections but also the balance of power in Washington.
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Panel 1
A town hall meeting in Maine, with an auditorium filled with concerned citizens and a stage. Senator Susan Collins is standing behind a podium, addressing the audience.
Collins: As you know, my legislation has been instrumental in promoting economic growth through tech investments, like data centers.
Man in audience: But what about the environment?!
Panel 2
The same town hall meeting. The man stands up and addresses the room with visible distress.
Man: AI data centers are destroying our climate and poisoning our water!
Collins: Now, now, let's keep this civil.
Panel 3
The town hall meeting, with Senator Collins still at the podium and the man now seated, looking defeated. The audience is silent, but a single person raises their hand to ask a question.
Audience Member: Senator, how do you reconcile economic growth with environmental destruction?
Collins: Ah, that’s easy. The data center industry is actually a savior for the environment... because they measure sustainability.
Highlight: Collins's deadpan response, twisting the facts to fit her narrative, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
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