Erin Brockovich Takes On 'Secretive' Data Centres
Environmental activist Erin Brockovich has built a digital map of US data centres, receiving over 9,200 complaints from all 50 states, as concerns grow over energy and water consumption
Erin Brockovich, the renowned environmental activist, has launched a fight against 'secretive' data centres in the US, citing concerns over their massive energy and water consumption. Brockovich, who won a $333 million groundwater pollution suit for a small California town over 30 years ago, has built a digital map of data centres across the US, which has received over 9,200 complaints from all 50 states.
The issue is becoming a rapidly developing environmental concern in America, with over 500 moratoriums on new data centres now in place. The moratoriums, which include one declared by New York state governor Kathy Hochul, are a response to growing concerns over the huge amount of energy and water consumed by data centres, as well as the impact on local water sources.
There are more than 4,000 data centres across the US, the most in the world, with the UK and Germany having over 500 each. The Brockovich Data Center Map shows that Texas has the most complaints, followed by Ohio and Virginia, with complaints tied to 112 operating data centres, 143 under construction, and 128 under proposal at last count.
Brockovich's campaign has also highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding data centre projects, with some city councils trying to pause data centre projects being hit with multi-million lawsuits from tech companies. The secrecy surrounding data centres has led to concerns over the impact on local communities, with residents reporting increased water and electricity bills, as well as changes to zoning laws.
## Why it matters The growth of data centres has significant implications for the environment and local communities. As the demand for digital services continues to grow, the number of data centres is likely to increase, leading to further concerns over energy and water consumption. The lack of transparency surrounding data centre projects has also raised concerns over the impact on local communities, with residents calling for greater accountability and regulation.
The fight against 'secretive' data centres is a rapidly developing environmental concern in America, with Brockovich's campaign highlighting the need for greater transparency and regulation. As the issue continues to grow, it is likely to have significant implications for the tech industry, local communities, and the environment.
