Erin Brockovich Takes on AI Data Centers
Erin Brockovich, famous for her pivotal role in winning a $333 million settlement against PG&E in 1993—a feat brought to life by Julia Roberts in a movie—has embarked on a new endeavor. This time, she’s focusing on the rising number of AI data centers being built across the United States and beyond.
An environmental activist noted for her efforts in the Hinckley, California, groundwater contamination case, Brockovich sees a similar issue—only much larger in scale. After being inundated with emails from concerned citizens, she highlighted the swift establishment of large AI data centers, which often move forward with little public consultation or environmental oversight.
The campaign kicked off when Brockovich noticed a trend in her emails—30 messages from residents of the same town, all worried about an upcoming data center. In April, she called on her website for people with concerns about local data centers to reach out to her, and an impressive 3,862 individuals responded within a month. She described the entire situation as “Hinkley on steroids.”
Utilizing the insights gathered from these communications, Brockovich has created an open-source map that tracks AI data centers across the nation. As of June 24, the map displayed 33 operational centers, 68 under construction, and 41 in the planning stages. Over 7,000 reports have been submitted through her online platform, revealing a concerning trend of construction happening without public awareness or approval.
The sheer scale of these AI data centers is staggering. Some occupy hundreds of acres, with a recent approval in Utah for a facility twice the size of Manhattan. Often, communities remain unaware of these facilities until after construction has commenced, sometimes even months post-approval from local authorities.
One of Brockovich’s primary worries is the secrecy surrounding the approval process. Developers commonly sign non-disclosure agreements with local governments, leaving residents in the dark about why projects are approved without any environmental assessments or public discourse. Brockovich points out that local officials receive numerous requests for zoning changes to accommodate these centers. “If data centers are so beneficial, why are they built in secret?” she questions on her Substack blog.
Local governments attempting to halt or delay construction face harsh financial repercussions. In Texas’s Hill County, county commissioners implemented a one-year moratorium in response to an unexpected public outcry, only to be hit with a $100 million lawsuit from the developer.
Beyond the issues of water usage, residents near active data centers complain of significant noise pollution. “The real issue is the noise, the decibels,” Brockovich stated, as residents describe the constant hum and buzz from 24/7 running generators. Communities have also noticed hiking electricity bills, sudden spikes in power demand, and diminishing wildlife in areas close to these centers.
Approaching her 66th birthday, Brockovich brings decades of experience to this new challenge. She played a crucial role in a landmark lawsuit against PG&E on behalf of Hinckley residents affected by contaminated groundwater. Despite lacking formal legal training, her efforts culminated in a record-setting settlement. A film released in 2000 further popularized her story.
Since the Hinckley case, Brockovich has been involved in various environmental pollution issues, including ongoing cases against PG&E regarding hexavalent chromium. More recently, her focus has shifted to PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to various health issues.
Brockovich’s immediate goal is to have data center approvals reevaluated on a case-by-case basis. She’s compiled information through her mapping site, emphasizing that Congress’s response hinges on how local complaints are addressed. Many states are only beginning to contemplate whether they require state-level regulations for data centers.
She emphasizes that opposing data centers is a bipartisan issue. Her strategy involves building grassroots cases rather than demanding immediate top-down policies. She advocates for thorough environmental impact reports, transparency in energy consumption, and community meetings where residents can express their concerns.
“It takes a certain amount of courage for us to show up, and it’s difficult when you’re facing off against entities with all the resources,” Brockovich reflected. Although she describes herself as being in the “legacy stage” of her life with six grandchildren, she remains dedicated to this cause, acknowledging that she can’t do it alone.
Reports indicate that opponents of AI data centers have successfully blocked or delayed projects worth around $130 billion this year alone.
A study by Data Center Watch noted that between January and March, opposition efforts had blocked or delayed at least 75 projects worth around $130 billion nationwide. This period marks the most significant disruption recorded since tracking began in 2023. The analysis suggested a structural shift as communities have adopted opposition strategies, Congress has introduced regulatory uncertainty, and the number of active opposition groups has more than doubled.
