Erin Brockovich Has a New Target: AI Data Centers

The famous activist has launched a new map tracking AI data centers and the communities fighting back

When people began reaching out to Erin Brockovich about AI data centers popping up in their communities, she realized she was in a unique position to expose the harm they can cause.

Best known for taking on Pacific Gas and Electric Company in a water contamination case that inspired her self-titled movie, Erin has now launched “Brockovich AI Data Center Reporting,” a new map tracking AI data centers and their impact on communities.

I am watching as YOU, the communities, show up and speak out. In the famous words of Mark Twain … “The secret of getting ahead is getting started,” so let’s go!

— Erin Brockovich

The self-reporting map gives communities across the country a place to document the growing spread of AI data centers and the concerns surrounding them.

Within hours of launching, submissions poured in, revealing where centers are already operating, where new ones are under construction, and where residents are sounding the alarm. The map now includes 3,674 community-reported locations nationwide, highlighting just how widespread the concern has become.

Do you want to help push back against AI data centers? Talk to your state lawmakers and tell them what we expect about rules on data centers.

• State agencies should immediately begin tracking the use of natural resources, such as water.

• Statewide legislation must ensure that all costs are borne (and secured by bond) by investors, NOT by local residents.

• Statewide agencies and task forces must follow up with data center owners on a 6-month to annual basis to verify compliance.

• Localities must be given full legal authority over data center construction, operational safety, and shutdown plans and actions.

It might seem like too big a fight to take on sometimes, but across the country, we have seen communities push back against these data centers — and they’re winning.

Just last week, the Columbia Borough Council in Pennsylvania rejected a bid to allow a private company with a history of building data centers to develop in the area after hundreds of people showed up at the fire hall meeting to share their concerns. So many people attended that some had to watch through the windows!

There’s still so much work left to do, but this win shows that when communities come together, change is possible.