Rural Concerns Grow Over Data Center Expansion

Farm groups raise issues around energy use, water consumption, and public transparency as AI data centers spread to rural areas.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:35pm

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The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers into rural communities is drawing growing attention from farm organizations concerned about energy use, water consumption, and public transparency. Delegates at the recent National Farmers Union convention discussed how the surge in large-scale technology infrastructure could affect rural utilities, natural resources, and local governance.

Why it matters

As AI data centers continue to proliferate, especially in rural areas, farm groups want to ensure the public remains informed about potential developments that could reshape rural infrastructure and resource use. There are concerns about the impact on local utilities, water supplies, and public oversight.

The details

Farm groups are worried about the energy use and water consumption of the new data centers, as well as the lack of transparency in negotiations between local governments and tech companies. Some delegates noted that while newer data center designs are reducing water use for cooling, the issue remains a concern, especially in water-scarce regions. There are also concerns that if data centers get their own power systems and disconnect from the grid, it could lead to price spikes for average consumers.

  • The issue was discussed at the recent annual convention of the National Farmers Union in New Orleans.
  • Last year, an NDA was signed between the city council in Duluth, Minnesota and the builder of an AI tech center, which left the public unable to access information.

The players

Darrin Von Ruden

President of the Wisconsin Farmers Union.

National Farmers Union

A farm organization that discussed the impact of AI data centers on rural communities at their recent annual convention.

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What they’re saying

“We spent a lot of time on AI tech centers and really trying to figure out some language, number one, because of how fast they're coming on board, and looking at what's going on, a couple of states wanted to see that they needed to provide their own power.”

— Darrin Von Ruden, President, Wisconsin Farmers Union (americanagnetwork.com)

“Water is a big issue for AI tech centers, too.”

— Darrin Von Ruden, President, Wisconsin Farmers Union (americanagnetwork.com)

“Then the last issue on data centers is for public officials to not sign non-disclosure agreements, or NDA's as they're called, a lot, and if it's in the public's interest, either good or bad, the public should know about it.”

— Darrin Von Ruden, President, Wisconsin Farmers Union (americanagnetwork.com)

What’s next

Farm groups plan to continue advocating for greater transparency and oversight around the siting and operations of AI data centers in rural communities.

The takeaway

As AI data centers rapidly expand into rural areas, farm organizations are voicing concerns about the impact on local utilities, water resources, and public oversight. They want to ensure rural communities have a voice in negotiations and that the public remains informed about developments that could reshape their infrastructure and environment.