Concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and its infrastructure are escalating across the United States. Michigan lawmakers recently heard from consultants about the environmental, economic, and data security risks posed by AI and the expanding data center industry, highlighting the urgent need for regulation. Nationwide, public opposition to AI infrastructure is growing, leading to local bans on data centers due to worries about energy prices, water consumption, noise, and strain on local infrastructure. This resistance occurs even as tech companies heavily invest in new facilities.
The increasing demand for power from AI and data centers is already driving up electricity bills, a development that challenges President Trump's pledge to protect ratepayers from such energy costs. While some tech companies have committed to covering certain expenses and developing their own power sources, specific details remain scarce. Analysts note that the rapid growth in energy demand, including for gas turbines, contributes to rising costs for all consumers.
Despite these infrastructure challenges, AI agents are rapidly transforming sales operations. A Salesforce report reveals that 90% of sales teams either use or plan to use AI agents, with 94% of leaders considering them essential for meeting business demands. These agents assist with tasks like sales planning, customer retention, prospecting, drafting quotes, and updating records, freeing up sales representatives for more direct selling. However, about half of sales leaders report that fragmented, unreliable data and complex tech stacks significantly slow down or limit their AI initiatives, leading many to prioritize data unification and quality.
New AI-powered tools are continually entering the market to address these needs. SentientIQ launched SeerChat AI, an automated sales agent for RV dealerships that uses emotional intelligence to engage online visitors and capture leads. Gong introduced Mission Andromeda, a suite of AI tools for sales teams featuring AI coaching and a chatbot, emphasizing data security and customer-specific training. Additionally, AdApt Media Sales is partnering with BIA Advisory Services to integrate local market data into its AI-driven platform, enhancing media sales strategies.
Beyond sales, AI is finding diverse applications and prompting new policy discussions. Cold Spring School in Montecito is integrating AI tools like Khanmigo to support student learning, customizing materials while ensuring teachers maintain control and students lead creative work. The DMEC has also released a policy brief examining AI's role in managing workplace leave and accommodations, focusing on data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the necessity of human oversight. Meanwhile, Wales is emerging as a key location for AI growth and data center projects, attracting major US technology firms with its supportive environment and investment opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Public opposition to AI infrastructure, especially data centers, is increasing nationwide due to concerns over energy prices, water use, noise, and local infrastructure strain.
- Michigan lawmakers are addressing environmental, economic, and data security risks from AI and data centers, emphasizing the need for regulation.
- Despite President Trump's pledge to protect ratepayers, the growing power demand from AI and data centers is raising electricity bills for consumers.
- A Salesforce report indicates 90% of sales teams use or plan to use AI agents, with 94% of leaders finding them essential for business demands like sales planning and customer retention.
- Fragmented data and complex tech stacks hinder AI initiatives for about half of sales leaders, prompting a focus on data unification and quality to improve outcomes.
- New AI sales tools are emerging, including SentientIQ's SeerChat AI for RV dealerships and Gong's Mission Andromeda suite for sales coaching and chatbots.
- AdApt Media Sales is partnering with BIA Advisory Services to integrate local advertising market data into its AI-driven platform for broadcasters and local media.
- Cold Spring School is integrating AI tools like Khanmigo to support student learning, customizing materials while maintaining teacher control and student creative autonomy.
- DMEC released a policy brief on AI in workplace leave, addressing critical issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency, and the need for human oversight.
- Wales is attracting significant US tech firm investment for AI growth and data center projects, leveraging its land, connectivity, and supportive environment.
Michigan lawmakers hear AI and data center concerns
A consultant told Michigan House lawmakers about the risks of artificial intelligence and the growing data center industry. Sarah Lucas from Guidehouse highlighted environmental worries, economic impacts, data security, and the need for AI regulation. Lawmakers expressed concern about the fast pace of AI development and the need for smart decisions to protect Michigan residents. The hearing aimed to gather information on managing data center growth and AI's implications.
Public opposition to AI infrastructure grows nationwide
Opposition to AI infrastructure is increasing across the country, with local bans on data centers becoming more common. This resistance comes as tech companies invest heavily in building new facilities. Communities are concerned about energy prices, environmental impacts like water use and noise, and local infrastructure strain. Some states are considering ending tax breaks for data centers, while companies like xAI face challenges with their projects. The debate centers on balancing economic benefits with community and environmental costs.
AI agents boost sales teams but face data challenges
A Salesforce report shows 90% of sales teams use or plan to use AI agents, finding them critical for meeting business demands. These agents help with sales planning, customer retention, and prospecting. However, about half of sales leaders report that fragmented and unreliable data slows down AI initiatives. Many teams struggle with manual errors, duplicate data, and complex tech stacks. To improve AI outcomes, sales teams are focusing on unifying data and simplifying their technology.
AI agents boost sales teams but face data challenges
Nine out of ten sales teams now use AI agents, with 94% of leaders finding them essential for business needs. These agents help with tasks like drafting quotes and updating records, allowing reps more selling time. However, 51% of sales leaders report that data silos delay or limit their AI projects. Many teams struggle with inaccurate or incomplete customer data, and a complex mix of tools further complicates AI efforts. High-performing teams are addressing this by consolidating tools and prioritizing data quality.
SeerChat AI launches new sales agent for RV dealers
SentientIQ has launched SeerChat AI, an AI sales agent and automated platform for RV dealerships. This tool uses emotional intelligence and conversational AI to engage website visitors, capture leads, and automate follow-ups. It aims to help RV dealers connect with online buyers who research extensively before visiting a lot. SeerChat analyzes visitor behavior to engage them at the right moment and integrates with existing CRM systems.
AdApt partners with BIA for AI media sales platform
AdApt Media Sales is partnering with BIA Advisory Services to enhance its AI-driven media sales platform. The collaboration will integrate local advertising market data, revenue forecasts, and business category analysis into AdApt's technology. This will help broadcasters and local media organizations use market trends during planning and client discussions. The partnership aims to support media organizations in a more data-driven advertising environment.
Friend's AI texts are awkward advice seeker asks
A person is asking for advice because their friend constantly sends AI-generated memes and content based on their inside jokes. The sender finds the AI content unfunny and is concerned about the environmental and intellectual impact of AI. They want to tell their friend to stop without hurting their feelings, as the friend is sensitive. The advice suggests a direct, one-on-one conversation, explaining that while the AI content is appreciated as a gesture, the friend's own humor is preferred.
Data center power costs rise despite Trump pledge
President Trump's pledge to protect ratepayers from data center energy costs may not cover all expenses related to AI expansion. The growing demand for power from AI and data centers is already increasing electricity bills. While tech companies have pledged to cover some costs and build their own power sources, details remain scarce. Analysts note that the rapid growth in demand for energy, including gas turbines, is driving up costs for everyone.
Gong launches AI sales tools in Mission Andromeda
Gong has launched Mission Andromeda, a suite of AI-powered tools for sales teams, including AI sales coaching and a chatbot. The platform uses multiple AI models and focuses on leveraging customer data as its core strength. Gong emphasizes privacy and data security, stating that AI training is primarily done using each customer's own data. The release also includes connections to rival platforms via MCP, though security remains a concern across the industry.
Cold Spring School uses AI to aid learning
Cold Spring School in Montecito is integrating AI tools like Khanmigo to support student learning while maintaining teacher control. The goal is to customize materials and provide tailored prompts without replacing educators or rushing assignments. Students remain in charge of their creative work, using AI as a thought partner. This approach aims to prepare students for an AI-driven world by balancing hands-on learning with responsible technology use.
US tech firms eye Wales for AI investment
Wales is becoming a significant location for AI growth and data center projects, attracting major US technology firms. The region secured substantial global investment last year, creating thousands of jobs and outperforming other areas. Wales offers land, connectivity, and a supportive environment for innovation. With expanding energy projects and a growing startup scene, it is positioning itself as an international platform for global business.
DMEC releases policy brief on AI in workplace leave
DMEC has released a policy brief examining the use of artificial intelligence in managing workplace leave and accommodations. The brief addresses critical issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the need for transparency in AI decision-making. It also covers regulatory compliance and the importance of human oversight in these processes. This resource aims to guide employers, policymakers, and tech providers in using AI responsibly and equitably.
Sources
- Consultant lays out AI risks and data center concerns for Michigan House Oversight subcommittee
- The public opposition to AI infrastructure is heating up
- 90% of sales teams use AI agents - but half of them have the same data problem
- AI Agents Now Power 90% Of Sales Teams Amid Data Silos
- SeerChat AI Launches AI-Powered Sales Agent for RV Dealerships
- AdApt Enhances AI-Driven Media Sales Platform With BIA Data
- ‘My Friend Won’t Stop Texting Me AI Slop!’
- Why the tab for powering data centers will keep rising
- Gong launches ‘Mission Andromeda’ with AI sales coaching, chatbot and open MCP connections to rivals
- Hands-On Learning Meets Artificial Intelligence at Cold Spring School in Montecito
- US tech giants eye Wales for major AI investment
- DMEC Releases First-of-its-Kind Policy Brief on Artificial Intelligence in Workplace Leave and Accommodation Management
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