Mark Cuban Tells Local Communities AI Firms Need Data Centers More Than Air— So Make Them Pay: 'If They Do Any Documentable Damage...'

On Friday, Mark Cuban said local communities should aggressively hold AI data center operators accountable if they violate laws or cause environmental damage, following reports that a contractor working on a Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META ) data center contaminated Cheyenne’s wastewater system.

Cuban Says Communities Should Hold AI Data Centers Accountable Cuban weighed in after Cowboy State Daily reported that the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming, suspended accepting wastewater associated with data center cooling systems following a reported contamination linked to a contractor working on a Meta data center.., the incident prompted months of cleanup, with one city councilman describing it as “a very, very unpleasant surprise.” Responding to the news on X, Cuban argued that communities should take decisive action when AI infrastructure projects cause documented harm. “If the data center breaks the law or damages the community, the community should go after them with everything they have,” Cuban wrote, adding, "The AI companies need the data centers more than they need air.

Take advantage of that fact." If the data center breaks the law or damages the community, the community should go after them with everything they have.

The AI companies need the data centers more than they need air.

Take advantage of that fact.

Tax the shit out of them if they do any documentable damage. — Mark Cuban (@mcuban) July 3, 2026 Read Also: Mark Cuban Says He’s Learned ‘Being Hated Is Not Good For Business’ — And It’s ‘Dumb’ To Pay Celebrities To Endorse Your Agenda Cuban Previously Warned AI Companies About Growing Public Backlash Cuban’s comments align with arguments he made last month, when he said opposition to AI data centers extends far beyond the facilities themselves.

According to Cuban, the backlash reflects broader concerns over AI, potential job displacement and the concentration of wealth among a small group of technology companies.

He argued that data centers have become “a proxy for the hate towards AI and the concentration and accumulation of wealth it’s creating.” Rather than relying on celebrity endorsements or political influence, Cuban urged AI companies to engage directly with local communities, workers and artists who fear AI’s impact.

He said companies should invest in affected communities and treat those efforts as “a cost of doing business.” AI Data Center Opposition Grows As Communities Push Back Opposition to AI data centers is intensifying across the U.S., with local communities blocking or delaying at least 75 projects worth about $130 billion in the first quarter of 2026, according to Data Center Watch.

A May Gallup survey also found that 71% of Americans oppose AI data centers being built near their communities, citing concerns over electricity and water use, pollution, noise and higher utility costs.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published editors.

Image via Shutterstock Read Also: Billionaire Mark Cuban Says 'First Step to Getting Rich Is Having Cash Available' — Not For Retirement, But 'For the Moment You Need Cash'