Widespread US Protests Erupt Against Rapid AI Data Center Expansion
At least 100 protests and events are scheduled across 40 US states today opposing the rapid construction of data centers that support the artificial intelligence industry, according to Reuters. Unlike many recent protest movements linked to former President Trump, this opposition draws participants from both major political parties. Data Center Watch reports that in the first quarter of this year, citizen groups delayed or canceled over 75 data center projects worth more than $130 billion.
The demonstrations are coordinated by the conservative group HumansFirst, which criticizes the "unchecked expansion of data centers." The group, founded in 2009 initially to oppose excessive taxation and government overreach, aims to amplify the voices of ordinary Americans, especially conservatives, in shaping data center policy. Local towns and counties have become battlegrounds, with some officials approving projects through nondisclosure agreements despite resident opposition and regulatory gaps.
Residents and politicians express concerns about the centers’ heavy electricity and water consumption, potential pollution, and rising costs. This issue uniquely unites Americans across ideological lines. A June Reuters/Ipsos poll found only one-third of Americans support the current pace of data center construction, and just 14% back building such centers in their communities for AI projects by tech giants like Meta.
Amy Kramer, co-founder of HumansFirst, told Reuters the protests cross party lines because "people woke up one day and found a monster coming to their community, and they don’t want it." She predicts data centers will be a key issue in the November midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race. Kramer criticized Republicans for giving Big Tech a "free pass" but opposed New York Democrats’ recent decision to freeze data center approvals. Protest organizers demand transparent planning processes and guarantees to protect environmental quality and public health.
