Political and Activist Opposition to Data Centers in the U.S.

The development of data centers has become a significant political issue in the United States. Different groups, including left-wing organizations and climate activists, are opposing these projects. Larry Behrens, of Power The Future, compares this to previous protests like those against the Dakota Access Pipeline. He notes that these opposition movements often appear grassroots but are supported by larger funding sources.

Some organizations opposing data centers have received funding from progressive networks. Public Citizen, for instance, lists the Open Society Foundations as a supporter. The Sierra Club received $3.6 million from Arabella Advisors’ Sixteen Thirty Fund between 2014 and 2022. Additionally, CodePink, also against data center projects, is connected to funding from Neville Roy Singham, who has ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

In Texas, considered a key state in this issue, opposition comes from groups like Public Citizen, the Sierra Club, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Some of these groups are involved in broader movements, including anti-ICE protests. In response, Power the Future called on Congress to investigate these opposition efforts.

“What they do is send their money through a maze of organizations, deliberately trying to mask what it is being used for,” Behrens explained about the complex funding channels.

Opposition to data centers is partly due to ideological disagreements with Donald Trump and concerns about fossil fuel use. Behrens argues that environmental groups are opposing progress because data centers represent American jobs and energy.

Meanwhile, data centers have become a contentious issue in elections, notably in states like Texas, Ohio, and Nevada. Fox News polling suggests that 70% of voters oppose them in their communities. Concerns include environmental impacts and local resource use.

Will Hild of Consumers’ Research emphasizes that ignoring these concerns could hinder the U.S. in the AI race. He claims that climate activists employ tactics to stop developments and promote misinformation against data centers.

Political campaigns are increasingly addressing data centers, with candidates advocating for new regulations or construction pauses. In Texas, Democrats are organizing protests and events to challenge data center projects.

Behrens suggests that data center companies need to engage directly with local stakeholders to discuss the benefits of their projects and clear any misconceptions.

Fox News Digital sought comments from involved organizations like CodePink, the Sierra Club, Open Society Foundations, and Public Citizen. The Sixteen Thirty Fund spokesperson defended supporting the Sierra Club, stating that community concerns should be addressed rather than dismissed as anti-progress.