Data Center Debate Turns Dangerous as Threats Escalate

Data centers are becoming a major source of debate in communities across the country — but in some places, that debate is turning into threats, harassment and even violence. Scripps News investigates the growing backlash surrounding data centers, examining how concerns over water use, electricity, development and misinformation are fueling tensions between residents, businesses and local officials. In Michigan, public officials faced threats after a heated meeting over a potential data center. In California, a construction company was targeted by online harassment after being mistakenly accused of building a data center. And in Indianapolis, a local councilman says his home was targeted after he supported a data center project. Experts who study political violence say local officials can become especially vulnerable as anger over data-center development grows. The debate over data centers continues across the country, with some communities calling for more research and others considering moratoriums on new facilities.