Protesters rally in Virginia over concerns about Google's proposed data center
Protesters gathered in Botetourt County, Virginia, as part of a national day of action against the growth of AI data centers. They are specifically opposing Google's proposed data center, citing concerns about water usage and demanding transparency from local officials and the water authority. An upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting on July 28th will include a request for an independent study of the center's water impact.
Protesters gathered along U.S. 220 in Botetourt County, Virginia, on Saturday, July 28th, as part of a national day of demonstrations organized by Humans First, a conservative group advocating for greater community say in AI development. The demonstration targeted Google's proposed data center in the county, with participants voicing strong concerns about its potential impact on natural resources.
Demonstrators lined an intersection, calling for the cancellation of Google's data center project or, at minimum, greater transparency from their elected officials. A primary concern for the protesters is the amount of water Google plans to use, with claims that the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors and the Western Virginia Water Authority have provided inconsistent information and avoided direct answers. This perceived lack of transparency has led to a breakdown of trust between residents and their leaders.
Protesters expressed a desire for a third party to investigate the project's water implications, indicating that they no longer trust their leaders to prioritize community interests over financial considerations. They suggested that transparent, contractual documents from the water authority, Google, and the county would be necessary to regain their belief. Another Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for July 28th, where the Planning Commission is expected to request an independent study into the data center's water usage.