Erin Brockovich, renowned for her pivotal role in the landmark Hinkley water contamination case, is once again rallying communities in the face of a new environmental challenge: the rapid proliferation of AI data centres across the United States. As she embarks on this latest mission, Brockovich is calling attention to the lack of transparency surrounding these massive constructions and their potential consequences for local ecosystems and residents.
A New Threat on the Horizon
Brockovich’s recent foray into the world of data centres was ignited by a flood of emails from concerned citizens. After issuing a public appeal on her website for reports of nearby data centres, she was met with an overwhelming response: more than 3,800 individuals shared their concerns within a month. This surge of communication is reminiscent of the grassroots activism that defined her previous campaigns, highlighting a growing unease about the environmental implications of these colossal tech facilities.
The scale of the new data centres being built to support AI technology has raised alarms for Brockovich. “This feels like Hinkley on steroids,” she remarked, referencing the vast land areas these facilities occupy, sometimes extending over hundreds of acres. A recent example is a data centre in Utah, which received approval for a site twice the size of Manhattan.
Community Concerns and Environmental Impacts
Residents near these data centres have expressed a mix of confusion and anxiety. Many are left questioning the lack of public consultation, with some discovering construction had begun only after it was too late to voice their concerns. Emails Brockovich has received reflect a sense of urgency: “What about our resources? What’s happening to the water?” Such inquiries underscore fears about the centres’ immense water usage—up to 5 million gallons per day—especially in drought-affected areas, where two-thirds of proposed data centres are located.
Brockovich has taken steps to map these facilities and the community concerns associated with them. As of late June, her open-source document revealed 33 operational AI data centres, 68 under construction, and 41 proposed. This chilling inventory serves as a stark reminder of the rapid expansion of these installations, often done without adequate environmental impact assessments.
The Fight for Transparency
Brockovich, now 66, has been vocal about the need for greater transparency in the approval process for data centres. She points to non-disclosure agreements that often shield these developments from public scrutiny, leaving residents in the dark about zoning changes and environmental assessments. This lack of transparency has led to a growing sense of frustration among local communities, as they witness the encroachment of these structures on their land.
While Brockovich acknowledges that not all local governments are attempting to obstruct community voices, she notes that many find themselves caught between residents and powerful developers. For instance, after attempting to impose a moratorium on a new data centre, Hill County, Texas, faced a lawsuit from the developers seeking over $100 million in damages.
A Call for Collective Action
Brockovich’s approach to activism is rooted in her belief that grassroots organising can lead to meaningful change. She recalls the power of collective action during her fight against PG&E, where a small group eventually grew into a formidable force. “A corporation can withstand a handful of people kicking up a fuss,” she asserts, “but it has a problem when 100 people or more are organised and acting in concert.”
Currently, 79 municipalities across the US have issued moratoriums on new data centres, although many are facing legal challenges. Brockovich emphasises the importance of local voices in these discussions, advocating for environmental impact reports and community meetings to ensure that the needs of residents are addressed.
Why it Matters
Brockovich’s renewed activism highlights a critical juncture in the intersection of technology, environmental stewardship, and community rights. As data centres become integral to powering AI and other digital technologies, the implications for local ecosystems and water resources are profound. Her efforts serve as a rallying cry for communities to take a stand against unchecked corporate power, urging a return to democratic processes in environmental decision-making. As Brockovich continues her legacy of advocacy, the stakes are higher than ever; the future of our communities and the environment depends on it.