Microsoft, Google Confront Rising Data Center Backlash (1)

Executives at Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google countered criticism of the rapid expansion of data centers at this week’s climate meetings in New York.

They sought to ease the concerns by discussing steps they’re taking to shield consumers from the cost of new facilities, backing the workforce and highlighting efforts related to water usage.

The questions “we’re hearing communities asking are really important,” said Melanie Nakagawa, Microsoft’s chief sustainability officer, speaking Wednesday at a Bloomberg Green event in New York. It’s led to discussions about “what communities should expect when it comes to electricity.”

Amanda Peterson …