Grassroots Coalitions Form Across the U.S. to Oppose Data Center Construction
By
Paul Messersmith-Glavin
An everything bagel for the brain. Substantive, layered, well-seasoned.
Summary
The article examines the growing grassroots resistance to data center construction across the United States. Between 4,000-5,000 data centers currently operate in the U.S., consuming massive amounts of energy and water, with at least 3,000 more planned or under construction. This has sparked an unusual coalition of Indigenous groups, rural white residents (including Trump supporters), anarchists, and union activists who are united in opposing the environmental and community impacts of data centers. The piece explores how tech industry demands for computing power are driving this infrastructure boom, and how diverse communities are finding common ground in resistance.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledBetween 4,000 and 5,000 data centers are actively humming in the U.S. right now, draining energy and, in the case of some of the hyperscale ones, consuming as much as 5 million gallons of water per day.
At least 3,000 more data centers are under construction or planned, prompting a diverse grassroots mobilization against their construction.
Indigenous people are resisting continued attempts to exploit their land, air, and water.
Anarchists, union activists, Indigenous organizers, and disgruntled Trumpists find themselves side by side in the fight.
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