Report says China-linked network helped stall $23.6 billion in U.S. data center projects

A report by the Bitcoin Policy Institute states that a network connected to Neville Singham and the Party for Socialism and Liberation has supported local opposition to data-center construction across 14 states. The study says the activity contributed to the stalling or blocking of at least $23.6 billion in proposed energy and infrastructure investment.

It lists 10 local moratoria, one permanent ban in Monterey Park, California, and four rejected projects, including a $1 billion proposal in Indiana and a $12 billion project in Wisconsin.

Report details organizing efforts The report says the same network remains active in Cleveland, New Orleans, Milwaukee, and Prichard, Alabama. It states that the groups have funded rallies, petitions, door-knocking, and attendance at public hearings.

Sam Lyman, the study's author, said some public claims about data-center water use have been overstated by roughly 1,000 times. He added that the network uses local disputes to increase division.

Funding questions raised The report notes that Singham, an American born in Connecticut, has directed nearly $300 million to U.S. socialist projects. It states that the source of funding for the Party for Socialism and Liberation remains difficult to trace in public records.

Lyman said the public record does not provide a clear answer on whether foreign governments have supplied money to the group. The study concludes that limits on domestic data-center construction could affect U.S. progress in artificial intelligence.