data center Resources

Background Information

Big tech is rushing to develop data centers with little regard for our climate or precious natural resources. Developers have their sights set on our communities, our water, and our energy grids. Community pushback has the power to halt or slow development. This toolkit aims to empower individuals with information and resources to help organize at the local level.

Click the image below for a step-by-step guide to understanding data centers, researching proposed developments in your area, building a team, developing a strong message, planning events and protests, raising awareness, and taking action. The toolkit also includes templates for forms and outreach materials, training resources on canvassing and data center basics, and tutorials to support your organizing efforts.

why reject data centers?

There are numerous reasons to be concerned about data center construction, whether it’s directly in your neighborhood or not. Those living close to these facilities complain about noise pollution, increased electric bills, water contamination, and even loss of water pressure, but the greenhouse gas pollution affects all of us.

1) They’re too expensive

The data center land grab, driven by the AI bubble, is accompanied with a staggering drain on local power and water supplies. Those energy and environmental costs are passed on to the local community while the profits are funneled up to tech billionaires. IBM’s own website states “Energy is more expensive depending on its location, and companies often look to undeveloped/underdeveloped countries or regional areas as potential building sites for their hyperscale data centers because the pricing of electricity is more attractive within those economies.” Translation: The already struggling neighbors and community members will pay for it.

2) They’re too thirsty

Data centers circulate millions of gallons of FRESH water every day to keep the servers cool. According to the Alliance for the Great Lakes “A hyperscale data center, the likes of which supports generative artificial intelligence, can use more than 365 million gallons of water a year.” And “There are no water use reporting requirements when users purchase water from municipal supplies. 97% of data center operators are buying water from municipal supplies, which can draw on groundwater aquifers. These users are not required to report or track their water use – less than 1/3 of data centers even track water use.”

3) They’re too dirty

The MASSIVE energy demands will be met by burning fossil fuels, pumping TONS of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, accelerating climate change and negatively impacting public health. The millions of gallons of water they use becomes contaminated and pumped right back into our municipal treatment plants. We cannot justify this reckless disregard of the environmental impacts.

What can you do about it?

Community push back WORKS! If you are concerned about a data center proposal in your area speak up. Talk to your neighbors, local businesses, and local leaders. Start a petition and put up yard signs so the developer can see your resistance. We’ve collected some links below with more information and stories from communities impacted by data centers.

how to call your council member
Email your Rep.