No Data Centers in MI, Michigan State Capitol – Lansing | Photo: Valerie Jean

Stopping Data Centers. Share Your Story!

Are you concerned about Data Centers? Is one proposed in your community? Has your community fought it? Were you successful? We want to share your story!  On this special page the People’s Tribune will publish voices of concern and resistance to the thousands of data centers high-tech is planning in our communities around the country. You can also share what it may mean for your electric bills, water, air pollution and more. Your experiences are important. Meet others in this struggle here too. Send stories and photos to peoplestribune@gmail.com or leave here on our website.

 

Demystifying the Data Center:

Powering AI, Consuming Resources

Nearly 3,000 new data centers are planned or under construction across the U.S. to support massive AI and cloud computing demand. More than 4,000 data centers are currently in operation. This infochart is a graphical representation of how a data center works. You'll note that it requires huge inputs of water — usually drinking-quality water, and likewise, huge inputs of electricity. There are other environmental factors also involved. For these and other reasons, many communities oppose data centers.

— Infochart by Joshua Morales

Hundreds gathered in the bitter cold at the Michigan State Capitol in December, 2025 to demand the governor stop the fast-tracking of hundreds of data centers throughout the state. “It doesn’t matter what side of the aisle you’re on—we know our farmland and water are precious and must be protected,” say the people. — Photos by Photo-Journalist Valerie Jean

Articles Covering Data Centers

Data Center Boom Coming to San Gabriel Valley. Residents had no idea.

LA County residents are being blindsided by proposals that may drain massive amounts of electricity and water. In Monterey Park, a single facility would use more power than the entire city.

The Rise of Data Centers

Data centers, driven by AI, are growing around the country. Communities fear their massive energy/water consumption, increased electricity costs, and pollution while big tech profits.

Copyright © 2022 People's Tribune