Amazon pledges $1 billion for data center communities

Amazon said it will invest more than $1 billion over the next five years in U.S. communities that host its data centers, directing funding toward education, job training, energy and water initiatives, and projects selected locally. The company announced the plan as data centers face opposition over electricity demand, utility costs, water use and other community impacts. Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman said the commitment would support communities where the company operates data centers. Amazon said it had already spent more than $1 billion in communities with a large data-center presence over the preceding three years. The company has not provided a full breakdown of how the new $1 billion will be allocated, leaving the amount available for individual programs and communities unclear. The plan includes education and workforce training, energy and water projects, and grants for priorities chosen by local communities. One reported component would cover out-of-pocket community-college costs for an estimated 300,000 students and add training centers near Amazon sites. Other reported plans include energy upgrades in public buildings and homes.