US data centre protests go national as backlash grows
A grassroots group named HumansFirst is coordinating national protests across over 125 locations in the US against the rapid expansion of data centers. Protesters are raising concerns about increased power bills, water consumption, pollution, and a lack of transparency in the development process. The movement is gaining bipartisan support and is predicted to be a significant issue in upcoming elections.
The Express Tribune reports on a coordinated national effort by the grassroots group HumansFirst, led by co-founder Amy Kremer, to protest the rapid buildout of data centers across the United States. Protests are planned in at least 125 locations on Saturday, marking the first coordinated national push against the expansion of AI infrastructure that has increasingly fueled local political unrest.
Kremer, a former Tea Party leader, emphasizes the nonpartisan nature of the opposition, stating that communities are reacting to the sudden appearance of "monstrosities" without adequate oversight. Key concerns among protestors include the threat of higher power bills, the diversion of precious water resources, pollution, and a perceived lack of regulatory scrutiny, with some local officials reportedly agreeing to non-disclosure agreements with developers. A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that only one-third of Americans approve of the current pace of data center construction.
While some organizers do not support blanket moratoriums, they advocate for transparent development processes, environmental protection, community benefits like well-paid union jobs, and accountability for developers. Texas is expected to see the most protests with 16, followed by Georgia with 11, and California, Florida, and Pennsylvania with 7 each. First-time activist Eva Cardona is organizing a protest in Texas, while Ivan DelSol is leading one in California's Imperial County, where a proposed data center project could consume 260 million gallons of water annually from the Colorado River. The Data Center Coalition, an industry lobbying group, declined immediate comment but has previously affirmed its members' commitment to being responsible neighbors.