Citizen group hosts anti-data center rally outside Somerset County courthouse
A local citizens' group held an anti-data center rally outside the Somerset County courthouse, citing concerns about electricity costs, light pollution, noise, land use and water priority. Organizers urged county officials to adopt stronger zoning regulations ahead of the county commissioners' final meeting on the issue.
The League for Human Decency organized the “Hands Off Our Lands” rally outside the Somerset County courthouse to oppose large-scale, hyperscale AI data centers. Speakers, including local activists, a doctor and military veterans, warned that the facilities could increase electricity costs, create light and noise pollution, and have other community and health impacts.
Organizers called for regulations governing where large data centers can be built and said residents, farmers and ranchers should receive priority over data center facilities during future droughts. The group also thanked Somerset police for managing traffic and urged residents to attend the Somerset County commissioners’ final meeting on proposed zoning ordinances the following Tuesday.