As we navigate the intricate landscape of technology and its repercussions, a vital issue has emerged: the rise of data centers and their impact on local communities. Amid increasing concerns over environmental and social consequences, residents are beginning to mobilize and voice their opinions. This piece explores how local activism is gaining momentum in response to the wave of data center expansions in America.
Yves here. One of the ramifications of neoliberal policies has been the weakening of community bonds, leading to precarious living conditions for many. People often struggle to make ends meet, lacking both the time and emotional energy to advocate for important causes. Additionally, the fear of employment repercussions looms large; even an arrest without charges can affect one’s credit report. Prospective employers frequently demand access to social media accounts and may dismiss candidates involved in controversial causes. Therefore, it’s refreshing to observe ordinary Americans reconnecting and honing their organizing skills in response to the encroachment of disruptive data centers.
By Rachel Mural, Senior Research Associate in Environment and Natural Resources and Science, Technology, and Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School. Originally published at The Conversation
As the construction of data centers accelerates across the United States, local governments are expressing concern that the tech industry’s mantra of “move fast and break things” could endanger their communities.
I am a Harvard researcher focused on the relationship between data centers and energy consumption. My analysis of how local governments react to proposals—or even concerns—about data centers has revealed a multifaceted interplay of community needs, political rivalries, and corporate influence—all entwined with local, state, and national democratic processes.
Promises and Potential
Technology companies thrive by supplying data and communication services preemptively, well before demand spikes. Data centers are already fundamental to powering online shopping, communications, and banking systems. However, the burgeoning need for artificial intelligence has resulted in over 1,000 proposed data centers nationwide.
Federal policies also propel this growth. The Trump administration has identified the expansion of data centers as a strategic focus, promoting their capacities as a sign of American strength and indicating that federal regulations may be relaxed.
On the community level, tech companies assert that data centers generate jobs, stimulate economic revitalization, enhance digital connectivity, and foster growth in local economies.
Not Great Neighbors
However, residents living near these facilities often face increased air pollution and excessive noise levels. The data processing involved heavily consumes water for cooling systems and equipment.
As electricity costs rise beyond inflation, families nationwide find it increasingly burdensome. This trend is partially attributed to the significant infrastructure investments necessary to support data centers.
The Local Movement
My research shows that local governments across the U.S. are actively seeking to mitigate these negative impacts.
Some counties and cities without specific zoning regulations for data center construction are opting for temporary moratoriums. These pauses in permitting and construction allow communities to strategize on developing new laws regarding site location, electricity consumption, water conservation, and noise mitigation.
Rick Bella, town council president of Merrillville, Indiana, discussed his community’s decision to impose a one-year moratorium on data centers, emphasizing the importance of “evaluating real-world impacts and learning from nearby projects before deciding what’s suitable for Merrillville.
Other areas are pursuing outright bans on data centers. For example, in April 2026, the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority near Detroit implemented a year-long halt to “the delivery, commitment, reservation, extension, or approval of water and sewer services” for data centers. This measure blocked operations for several projects, including one slated by the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory, due to their inability to secure necessary water resources.
In addition, municipalities across Ohio, Wisconsin, Maryland, Nevada, and California have included data center-related questions on local ballots. This allows residents to weigh in on construction bans, tax incentives, and zoning regulations.
Power Struggles
While public sentiment surrounding data centers is generally nonpartisan, disagreements persist among local and state officials.
In Hood County, Texas, officials rejected a proposed six-month moratorium following a state senator’s urging for intervention against the measure.
In 2025, West Virginia passed legislation that limits local governments’ zoning authority related to data centers and microgrids. A similar proposal in New Hampshire was defeated in May 2026.
Tech companies are also leveraging their legal and financial resources. For instance, developers have taken legal action against Saline Township, Michigan, and Chatham County, North Carolina in efforts to overturn local zoning decisions that hinder their projects.
Changing Tides
The local resistance is emerging during a pivotal era for artificial intelligence.
Objections to the rapid expansion of AI, concerns over digital “slop”, criticism of AI-generated advertisements, worries of a financial bubble driven by AI, and public concerns about Google’s shift towards AI highlight that Americans are critically reassessing technology’s role in modern society.
Additionally, a growing number of individuals are questioning technology’s broader societal implications. An increasing number of teens and adults are experiencing addiction to their smartphones and becoming emotionally dependent on them. Parents and educators are scrutinizing the effectiveness of digital technologies in education, and even the Pope has cautioned that technology should serve humanity rather than the opposite.
In this climate, Americans are voicing their concerns through active participation and democratic processes.
While technology companies may consider moratoriums and new regulations as hindrances to development, the rise of town hall discussions, community coalitions, public petitions, and even farmers’ unions highlight the vibrant exercise of American democracy.
In Sunbury, Ohio, local officials only contemplated a moratorium after witnessing substantial public dissent regarding a proposed data center.
In April 2026, voters in Festus, Missouri, ousted several City Council members who had backed a new data center amid resident protests.
The issue of whether a community should host a data center is complex and nuanced, deserving of thorough discussions, transparency, and careful consideration.
To me, these local actions signify a collective desire to pause and reflect. While data centers and AI will undoubtedly shape our future, communities strive for a meaningful voice in determining that future.
