Maryland residents got a pro-data center text linked to an ‘interfaith’ website. Who’s behind it?
Residents in Prince George's County, Maryland, received an anonymous pro-data center text message linking to an "interfaith" website, shortly after the county enacted a two-year moratorium on hyperscale data center development. The text campaign, led by political consultant Rev. Derrick Green and his Interfaith Action Movement, aims to promote data centers' economic benefits, sparking suspicion and anger among anti-data center activists who view it as a lobbying effort. Critics are also concerned about potential environmental impacts and a proposed zoning change that could allow more data center construction in rural areas.
After Prince George's County, Maryland, passed a two-year moratorium on hyperscale data center development, many residents received an anonymous mass text message on July 10 promoting the economic benefits of data centers. The text linked to a website, interfaithaction.net, which advocates for data centers and is associated with the Interfaith Action Movement.
The Rev. Derrick Green, an ordained elder and political consultant, was identified as the faith leader behind the text. Green, a longtime Prince George's County resident, stated that his Interfaith Action Movement acts as a "policy think tank and advocacy organization" aiming to provide information on data centers. He emphasized creating a culture of transparency, wealth creation, community benefits, and strong environmental standards, particularly considering the rise of AI and its potential impact on Black and brown communities. Green declined to disclose his organization's funding sources, including whether it receives money from data center developers, and has a past record of involvement in campaign finance scandals.
Residents like Elizabeth McNamara expressed immediate suspicion, warning that the anonymous message seemed like a cover for data center lobbyists, attempting to falsely promote benefits without acknowledging costs. Dan Smith, an anti-data center activist, voiced "outrage," believing it to be a well-funded effort to misrepresent community views and provide cover for pro-data center elected officials.
Despite the county moratorium, Robin Lewis, director for climate equity at Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA), noted that the moratorium contained "loopholes." She also highlighted a proposed zoning change by County Council member Wanika Fisher that would permit more data center construction in rural areas. Lewis's organization, which opposes data center development due to environmental and energy concerns, has organized against data centers and refuted any involvement with the anonymous text, emphasizing their commitment to community-supported moratoriums and addressing climate justice issues.