Story thread · 3 reports / 3 sources

Exclusive: AI giants, unions join forces for data center fight

axios.com · 12h · first reportShare

AI companies, private equity firms and unions are looking beyond 2026 in the data center debate , banding together to form a new multimillion-dollar coalition to make the case for responsible growth in seven key states. Why it matters: The new group, the American Infrastructure Alliance, wants to partner with state and local officials to create standards and guardrails for data centers in 2027. In return, the coalition hopes to head off moratoriums on new construction. The group is planning initial campaigns in Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Indiana and South Carolina. The alliance is backed by Blackstone, OpenAI, QTS and SoftBank Group, along with key unions, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). What they're saying: "Responsible growth requires clear expectations for everyone involved," said Tag Greason, co-CEO of QTS, the Blackstone-owned data center operator. "Blanket bans on necessary infrastructure projects would set back our economy and