Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Investor Says AI Data Centres Benefit Working-Class Americans
Gavin Baker is an investor who supports building more AI data centres in the United States.
He says these facilities create many jobs for people who work with tools and machines.
Examples include electricians, plumbers and heating and cooling technicians.
He believes these jobs can pay very well.
Baker also says data centres can help struggling towns become active again.
Some people worry that data centres use too much electricity and water.
Baker says companies are getting better at handling these problems.
He wants technology companies to explain more clearly how their projects help workers and communities.
He also claimed that some opposition may be connected to China, but this claim is not independently established in the article.
Gavin Baker says data-centre expansion is creating lucrative jobs for workers without college degrees.
He highlighted demand for electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians as AI infrastructure expands.
Baker argued that some young Americans may find four-year degrees financially unattractive compared with skilled trades.
Critics have raised concerns about data centres’ electricity use, water consumption and effects on communities.
Baker alleged that some opposition is linked to a CCP-funded campaign on TikTok, but the article provides no independent evidence for the claim.
- Who
- Tech investor and Atreides Management executive Gavin Baker, technology companies, blue-collar workers and critics of data centres.
- What
- Baker defended the rapid expansion of AI data centres, saying they create well-paid skilled-trade jobs and support struggling communities.
- When
- The comments were made on The A16z Show; the article does not provide a broadcast date.
- Where
- Across the United States, including declining small towns and communities hosting data centres.
- Why
- Baker says AI infrastructure is helping re-industrialize the United States and creating economic opportunities, while critics question its electricity, water and environmental impact.
Data-centre supporters
Data-centre critics
Economic impact
Data-centre supporters
Baker says data centres create well-paid skilled-trade jobs, revive struggling towns and contribute to a broader American industrial revival.
Data-centre critics
Critics question whether the economic benefits justify the facilities’ effects on local communities; the article does not identify specific critics or provide their detailed responses.
Resource use
Data-centre supporters
Baker acknowledges earlier concerns but says properly structured projects and improving technology can address data centres’ problems.
Data-centre critics
Critics have raised concerns about the facilities’ large electricity requirements, water consumption and environmental impact.
Opposition to facilities
Data-centre supporters
Baker alleged that some opposition is part of an organized, CCP-funded campaign being laundered through TikTok, and urged AI companies to communicate their benefits more effectively.
Data-centre critics
The article reports the allegation but provides no independent evidence or response from TikTok, Chinese officials or opponents of data centres.
- Speaker
- Gavin Baker, an executive at Atreides Management
- Main claim
- Data centres are creating lucrative blue-collar opportunities and revitalizing struggling communities.
- Jobs cited
- Electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians
- College comparison
- Baker said a four-year degree is becoming “significantly NPV negative” for some young people.
- Reported wage example
- One data-centre electrician cited in the article said he earns $40 an hour after skipping an undergraduate degree.
- Industry concerns
- Critics have questioned data centres’ electricity use, water consumption and effects on local communities.
- Companies Baker wants to speak publicly
- SpaceX, Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Meta, Nvidia, AMD and Broadcom