As artificial intelligence expands rapidly, so too does the demand for energy to power the data centers that support it, raising environmental and infrastructure concerns. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan discusses these challenges with NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz, highlighting local residents’ worries about the proliferation of new data facilities. However, Mahan views the trend not just as a burden but as a potential economic catalyst for the region. He suggests that the infrastructure investments and job opportunities tied to AI operations could strengthen the city’s financial outlook. By aligning technological growth with sustainable planning, he believes San Jose can balance innovation with community needs. The conversation took place on October 7, 2025.
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San Jose Mayor talks economic potential of AI energy demands in California
As AI continues to grow in popularity, concerns are rising over the energy use and environmental impact associated with AI’s data centers. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan speaks with NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz about the concerns of residents regarding new data centers and how he views it as an opportunity for local economies.Oct. 7, 2025