Williston protesters demand more transparency, regulation surrounding data centers
Williston residents protested against a planned $10 billion Critical Data House, demanding more regulation and transparency regarding its environmental, noise, water, and electricity impacts. Concerns stem from a previous noise settlement involving Atlas Power Data Center and the Williston City Commission's approval of the Critical Data House master plan. Protesters are also worried about potential rising electricity costs and property value depreciation.
Williston, North Dakota residents held a protest at Harmon Park on May 16, 2026, demanding increased regulation and transparency for new data centers, particularly those supporting generative AI. The demonstration highlighted significant community concerns about the planned $10 billion Critical Data House, dubbed "Project Fighting Pike," which the Williston City Commission approved its master plan on March 17, 2025. This facility is projected to be one of North America's largest.
Protesters voiced worries about the data center's potential physical, environmental, and economic harm, citing a previous noise complaint settlement against the Atlas Power Data Center in the area. Key concerns included the disposal of wastewater from the Critical Data House's closed-loop cooling system, excessive noise pollution, and the strain on the existing electrical grid, which could lead to increased electricity costs for residents. The Critical Data House developers noted the project would incorporate sound mitigation strategies and explore on-site electricity generation.
Beyond environmental and utility issues, protesters, including Spencer Johnson, raised geopolitical and economic fears such as potential for increased government surveillance, overtaxation, and the possibility of data centers becoming "big fat targets" requiring additional security and potentially impacting property values. Organizers plan to continue biweekly or monthly protests to advocate for stronger safeguards before irreversible harm occurs, encouraging community engagement through the "Williston Connections for Locals" Facebook group.