Little Rock protesters rally over Google data center, citing water and wetland risks

Protesters assembled in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas, to demonstrate against Google's proposed data center project near the Sweet Home area. The demonstration took place outside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office, where demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the project's potential environmental impacts. Organized by individuals like Cecilia Bernheimer, the protest aimed to pressure federal officials to thoroughly evaluate the data center's effects on local water supply, wetlands, electricity consumption, and noise levels. The project reportedly requires permission to fill approximately 16.8 acres of wetlands and over 6,000 feet of streams, impacting tributaries connected to Fusz Bayou. Concerns were also raised about the facility's significant power draw, estimated at over 100 megawatts. Protesters demanded public hearings with city leaders to directly address their grievances. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently evaluating potential impacts on water quality, wildlife, and historic resources, with a public comment period open until May 1st before a final decision is made.