Tag: Data center

AIInequalityWorkforce

AI Infrastructure Expansion Raises Environmental Justice Concerns in Black Communities

The rapid expansion of AI data centers is creating significant environmental and economic challenges for Black communities across the United States. Reports indicate these communities face heightened health risks while receiving limited economic benefits from the technology boom. Experts warn that without deliberate policy interventions, existing disparities could widen further.

Environmental Burden of AI Infrastructure

The race to build artificial intelligence infrastructure is creating concerning environmental patterns, with data centers increasingly located in already polluted areas where Black residents are disproportionately affected. According to reports, these facilities are concentrated in some of California’s most environmentally burdened communities, despite the state’s leadership in the AI boom. A study cited by analysts suggests that the household health burden from data centers in economically disadvantaged areas could be 200 times greater than in affluent communities.

by Emma Langford
BusinessTechnology

BlackRock-Led Consortium Acquires Aligned Data Centers in $40 Billion AI Infrastructure Bet

A consortium led by BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners has agreed to acquire Aligned Data Centers from Macquarie Asset Management in a landmark $40 billion transaction. The deal represents one of the largest infrastructure investments targeting AI growth, with Microsoft and Nvidia among the key participants in the acquiring group.

Massive AI Infrastructure Investment

A consortium led by BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners has reportedly agreed to acquire Aligned Data Centers from Macquarie Asset Management in a deal valued at $40 billion, according to sources familiar with the transaction. The acquiring group includes the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), MGX, Microsoft, and Nvidia, signaling what analysts suggest is a major strategic shift toward physical AI infrastructure investments.

by Emma Langford