AI Data Centers &
Our Communities
An initiative by Erin · Environmental Advocate
"The RACE to build AI infrastructures is unfolding town by town across America. In some places, data centers are welcomed. In others, they are delayed, contested or abandoned altogether. This MAP captures the real-world footprint of that race — revealing patterns of growth, conflict and uncertainty.
I am watching as YOU, the communities show up and speak out. In the famous words of Mark Twain … “The secret of getting ahead is getting started,” so let’s go!
— Erin" https://www.brockovichdatacenter.com/index.html
Energy Consumption
High energy usage contributes to significant environmental impact and escalating costs for surrounding communities.
Water Usage
Cooling systems often require substantial water resources, straining local water supplies and ecosystems.
E-Waste
Frequent hardware upgrades and replacements generate significant volumes of electronic waste.
Location Risks
Natural disasters, flooding, or geopolitical instability can disrupt operations and impact local infrastructure.
Scalability & Efficiency
Growing demand strains local resources and infrastructure, often outpacing community planning capacity.
Noise
Constant humming from cooling systems, generators, and substations can disrupt sleep, daily life, and wildlife in surrounding neighborhoods.
AI Data Centers Across the United States
A map of major AI data centers in the U.S. that are either operational or under construction, overlaid with locations where community members have emailed in concerns. Click any marker for details.
Not all DATA centers are on this map
Communities Making a Difference
Across the U.S., residents, town councils, planning boards, and lawmakers are organizing, voting, and litigating to shape how AI data centers come to their towns. Here are concrete examples of that work — drawn from the 2,971+ reports Erin has received from 49 states, and from coverage by reputable news outlets.
⏸️Moratoriums & Pausestowns and counties pressing the brakes
When residents and councils want time to study the impact before approving more data centers, they're enacting temporary pauses. These moratoriums vary in duration and scope, but they share a goal: don't let the buildout get ahead of the planning.
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