Industry and IBEW News

Politicians Retreat on AI Amidst Signs of Rising Backlash

https://www.axios.com/2026/02/22/democrats-2028-retreat-ai-data-centers

2028 Democratic contenders who backed data centers with tax breaks are suddenly retreating amid growing voter revolt over electricity costs and community impacts

Shipyard Workers Blown Away by Locals' Kindness During Shutdown

https://ibew.org/electrical_worker/new-england-shipyard-workers-blown-away-by-locals-kindness/?ref=ew

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard IBEW Local 2071 members each received $1,000 from Second District locals during six-week government shutdown, rewarding those who rejoined after executive order ended dues deductions

Evaluating the Jobs Impact

https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/data-centers-get-big-tax-breaks-do-they-create-jobs/34WLOLCK3BBT3O5ZG4XEPYXR7Y/

IBEW Local 648 says data centers could bring 800-1,200 construction jobs, but researchers warn facilities are capital-intensive while creating few permanent positions despite massive tax breaks

Centers Seek Credit Ratings to Unlock Billions for AI Push

https://www.ft.com/content/e0d9d5f2-c09d-426e-af03-193b488b7b1e

Data center landlords securing top credit ratings for asset-backed securities to unlock billions in financing, with Compass Datacenters achieving first-ever Aaa rating from Moody's

The Early Contours of An Evolving Political Battle

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/22/poll-data-centers-politics-00791786?_sp_pass_consent=true

Nearly half of Americans expect data centers to become a campaign issue within five years, with top concerns centered on electricity bill increases and blackout risks, new Politico poll finds