# Amazon Pledges More Than $1 Billion to Data Center Communities

By John Kim

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/26367
Published: 2026-10-02T12:02:07.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-02T12:02:07.000Z
Section: Business

> The five-year “Built Together” program includes education and job training. AWS CEO Matt Garman says proposed moratoriums could slow the U.S. push for AI leadership.

Amazon plans to invest more than $1 billion over five years in communities near its U.S. data centers, while AWS CEO Matt Garman argues that proposed moratoriums could slow the U.S. push for AI leadership.

The company’s new “Built Together” program will support education, job training, energy affordability, water preservation and other local priorities. Amazon estimates it will connect more than 300,000 students in data center communities with free degree access over the five-year period.

Garman said more than 100 proposed data center moratoriums are under consideration nationwide. He argued that blocking projects could slow AI development and have consequences for the economy and national security for generations.

Amazon plans to coordinate with utilities and regulators on rates that cover its data centers’ power and infrastructure costs. It also says it no longer uses nondisclosure agreements with government agencies on its data center projects.

Amazon plans annual disclosures covering energy and water use, efficiency and the portion of its energy from carbon-free sources.

Data center expansion has prompted local debate over electricity demand, water use, pollution and local economic effects. Amazon said its announcement codifies existing practices alongside community investments.