America can lead the most important race of our generation, and getting the facts right is a big part of how we do it. Today we're sharing our Amazon Data Center Commitment, a clear set of promises for how we build and operate, and launching Built Together, more than $1 billion over five years for the communities where we build. I wrote about what's at stake and why this moment matters.
The races that our nation can't afford to lose always seems to somehow land on the backs of average citizens who have to make the most sacrifices while reaping the fewest rewards. Amazon Web Services alone generated $128.7 billion in revenue in 2025. You do the math.
Crucial perspective. AI and digital infrastructure are going to be built somewhere—the demand isn't going away. If the U.S. doesn't lead this buildout, other nations will, effectively exporting American capital, jobs, and economic growth overseas. It’s unfortunate how much misinformation is targeting Americans on this topic right now. Retaining this infrastructure domestically strengthens our economy, protects our national security, and delivers massive tax and job benefits to local communities. Appreciate AWS taking a proactive, transparent approach with the Data Center Commitment.
Really? We forget the lessons so quickly. The US highway system destroyed small businesses along that same corridor, increased carbon emissions and many more consequences that we still live with today! Also don’t forget those roads need maintenance! And we don’t like paying for those things. Sorry if I just am pointing out that you can have the horse but you need to be prepared for the fallout and we are not. Didn’t Meta just pay $18 billion for the damage their social media inflicted on our children?? No guardrails!!!
Bill Moker
2w
Here is why I know parts of this explanation simply are not true. I personally know one of the commercial plumbers installing the water pipes at a data center. He is piping it for 2,500 gallons of intake per minute. This is 3.6 million gallons per day…every day. The community has 4 wells which at “maximum well” (as their 2025 Community Water Report called it) can produce about 5,200 gallons per minute. The data center will use 50% of the water the community can produce. 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
Jonathan L.
2w
Only 1 billion!!??
Andrew Geden
2w
A drop in the bucket of Amazon's profits to get communities to let their guard down long enough to ravage them in the long run. All for a "race" that has no goal-line. $200 Million a year, spread across multiple communities, sounds like just enough to bribe the right few people standing in the way.
As demand for AI infrastructure grows, I think how that growth happens will matter just as much as how quickly it happens. Making sure local communities see real benefits alongside the technology being built is an important part of making that growth sustainable.
E R.
2w
How will this help people in their homes who can’t afford their electricity bills? There needs to be legislation passed to support residents of communities with data centers.
These centers are also built in the middle of large cities. It's encouraging that at least they are feeling some pushback. Our local power company (Georgia Power) sent out a flyer stating how Data Centers wouldn't cost us anything and everything would be paid for by the Data Center. Ha! They are scared. Not to mention these centers are not large sources of employment; they are mostly full of machines.