Willie Nelson, a prominent musician, has become a symbol in the fight against large infrastructure projects. He previously opposed pipelines and fracking and is now vocal against the expansion of data centers. This latest cause highlights how concerns about AI infrastructure mirror past battles over fossil fuels. Nelson, in a public statement, expressed his opposition to data centers due to their potential negative impacts on communities. This sentiment echoes his past activism against projects that he believed harmed small family farmers. Many activists, like Jane Kleeb, who led the fight against the Keystone XL pipeline, are now engaged in opposing AI infrastructure.Data centers are increasingly facing bipartisan backlash as a rapidly growing infrastructure concern. Activists like Kleeb emphasize the need for these projects not to leave lasting negative consequences on communities. The parallels between the issues surrounding data centers and the fossil fuel sector are significant. Tech companies promote the necessity of data centers, much like fossil fuel companies historically emphasized the importance of oil and gas. Developers are often perceived as having a dismissive attitude towards community concerns, unlike the industry's claims of economic benefits.The opposition to data centers is also a proxy for larger societal fears, linking them to AI in the same way fossil fuels are linked to climate change. Both are seen as significant threats with potentially existential implications. Tech companies often point to a few "bad actors" for negative perceptions, a tactic previously used by pipeline companies. The industry is now working to demonstrate commitments to responsible development, including community engagement and efficient resource use. However, the speed of opposition to data centers is notably faster than that seen with fossil fuels. Texas, for example, quickly paused data center development to consider new regulations. Data centers are emerging as a significant issue in upcoming elections, with lawmakers likely to address power and water usage and tax credits. The public often views data centers as contributors to rising power prices, making tax exemptions controversial. This situation is reminiscent of how states responded to fossil fuels with stricter regulations and taxes rather than outright bans. The AI industry may have a limited timeframe to address growing opposition, unlike the fossil fuel industry's longer response period.