Earth Day Won’t Matter Without These 3 Climate Moves, From EVs To Voting To Stopping Data Centers

In an Earth Day appeal, Linda Hutchins-Knowles outlined three critical climate actions for Silicon Valley, emphasizing the need for local communities to address the climate crisis. Beyond advocating for electric vehicles and public transit, and preserving public funding for clean energy incentives, Hutchins-Knowles particularly highlighted the pressing issue of data center development in San José, California. The city currently has 34 data center projects in development, with 11 of them alone projected to require 1,630 megawatts of power, equivalent to serving 1.2 million homes. Residents have expressed significant concerns beyond just electricity demand, pointing to potential impacts on water usage, air quality, noise levels, and heat generation. Hutchins-Knowles cited a specific instance in November where the city tasked Prologis with designing AI data centers and manufacturing facilities near Alviso without adequate prior notice to local residents. During a recent council meeting, community members reportedly demanded greater public accountability and enhanced community engagement concerning the city’s data center development plans and its partnership with PG&E. Hutchins-Knowles advocates for a more transparent development process, including in-person and multilingual outreach for each proposed site, and a thorough California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review to mitigate potential harms before project approvals. She also connected environmental protection to voting, urging residents to support candidates like Tom Steyer for governor, David Cohen for State Senate District 10, Sylvia Arenas for Santa Clara County Board District 1, and Gordon Chester for San José City Council District 9, who prioritize climate action and public accountability.