New York Protesters Urge Schumer to Oppose Federal Bill Supporting AI Data Center Expansion
Protesters gathered outside Sen. Chuck Schumer’s Brooklyn home to oppose the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, arguing that it would facilitate AI data center expansion and fossil-fuel infrastructure. The demonstrations came ahead of an expected Senate vote and included demands for stronger environmental and community protections.
Protesters gathered outside Sen. Chuck Schumer’s Brooklyn home and planned demonstrations at his Manhattan office ahead of an expected Senate vote on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026. They used a large data center prop and blank-check display to criticize the bill, which they say would make it easier to build AI data centers, fracked-gas pipelines and power plants.
The protest followed Rep. Hakeem Jeffries’ opposition to the bill over proposed changes to environmental laws and tribal protections. Activists from groups including Food & Water Watch, Climate Families NYC, 350Brooklyn and New York Communities for Change urged Schumer to block the measure, citing concerns about pollution, energy demand, water use and impacts on local communities.