Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Data centers have suddenly become one of the hottest political fights in America.
Polls show overwhelming opposition to having them nearby, politicians are scrambling to respond, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has announced tough new restrictions while declaring himself a “hell no” on certain projects.
But is the backlash telling the whole story?
Michael Smerconish speaks with Pennsylvania developer Brian O’Neill, who is planning billions of dollars in data center projects and says many of the public’s biggest concerns don’t apply to what he wants to build. They discuss jobs, electricity, water use, the race with China, allegations of foreign manipulation — and whether America risks falling behind in AI while trying to protect local communities.
Data centers have suddenly become one of the hottest political fights in America.
Polls show overwhelming opposition to having them nearby, politicians are scrambling to respond, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has announced tough new restrictions while declaring himself a “hell no” on certain projects.
But is the backlash telling the whole story?
Michael Smerconish speaks with Pennsylvania developer Brian O’Neill, who is planning billions of dollars in data center projects and says many of the public’s biggest concerns don’t apply to what he wants to build. They discuss jobs, electricity, water use, the race with China, allegations of foreign manipulation — and whether America risks falling behind in AI while trying to protect local communities.
