Protests Against Data Centers Planned for July 18 in More Than 50 U.S. Locations

A national day of protest against data centers is planned for July 18 across the United States, Newsweek reported. Humans First, a conservative advocacy group, is coordinating the demonstrations in more than 50 locations including Fairbanks, Alaska; Berkeley, California; Atlanta, Georgia; and Austin, Texas.

Amy Kremer, chair of Humans First, told Newsweek the group expects a good turnout as more Americans sign up every day.

She said elected officials are not listening to the American people and that there is power in numbers. More than 4,000 data centers have been built in the United States, according to the group. A Gallup poll found that 70 percent of Americans oppose having a data center in their community, with 48 percent strongly opposed and 50 percent citing impacts on resources.

Kremer said communities are kept in the dark about who is building the facilities and what backroom deals were made. She called for mandatory pre-deployment safety testing to replace the current voluntary system. The Trump administration has said that faster data center build-out is essential for staying ahead of rivals such as China.

Data Center Watch has reported that $64 billion worth of projects has been blocked or delayed amid local resistance.