Warren County residents protest new data center
Warren County residents marched in Vicksburg to protest a planned Amazon Web Services data center, citing concerns about its proximity to Dana Road Elementary School. Protesters raised issues regarding noise, light, and frequency pollution, as well as the strain on local electrical and water infrastructure. The event was part of a broader "AI Data Center National Day of Protest" initiated by the Humans First organization.
Residents of Warren County, Mississippi, staged a protest in downtown Vicksburg against a planned Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center. The demonstration, co-organized by Stuart English, highlighted concerns over the data center's proposed location, which is situated approximately a quarter-mile west of Dana Road Elementary School and surrounds the school on three sides. English specifically cited potential health risks, noise and light pollution, and frequency discharges as major concerns for the schoolchildren.
Roger Wehner, Vice President of Economic Development for AWS, previously announced the data center's location during an economic development luncheon in April. Protesters, including Carlos Lee, owner of the Old Gym, voiced worries about the project's impact on Vicksburg's quality of life, including fishing and outdoor activities, due to anticipated noise and water usage. Another protester, Ashley Funkhouser, criticized the lack of public consultation during the contract award process and questioned whether Vicksburg's infrastructure could support the data center's demands for electricity and water. The protest was held in response to a call for a national day of action by the Humans First organization.