Erin Brockovich Launches Website Tracking Data Center Concerns

Environmental activist Erin Brockovich has launched a website that allows residents to submit reports about data centers operating near their communities. com, lists six categories of concern: high energy consumption, water use for cooling, electronic waste, location risks, infrastructure strain, and noise from cooling systems and generators.

According to the website, more than 2,716 reports have been filed as of Monday, with Texas accounting for 612 of them. The state has more than 460 data centers, according to Data Center Map. Water ranked as the top reported concern, followed by electricity, health, and wildlife.

Gained national attention for her role in a 1990s case against Pacific Gas & Electric over groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California. A 2000 film portrayed that effort, which ended with a $333 million settlement. The new project focuses on data centers built to support artificial intelligence operations.

Data Center Map reports more than 4,200 such facilities now operating across the United States. "Self-reporting is the best way we can get this information out to the public," the website states.