Across America, residents are opposing plans for new AI data centers, citing environmental and health concerns. Shawmar Pitts, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, knows first-hand the impact of industrialization. His neighbourhood, once home to the East Coast’s largest oil refinery, faced health issues linked to pollution. Now, as data centers loom, residents fear a repeat of past environmental injustices.

The pushback is particularly strong from those living in areas still scarred by industrial decline. Activists believe data centers bring more pollution and noise without addressing existing environmental issues. In Philadelphia, city officials have identified potential sites, sparking a debate on where progress and safety align.

Environmental concerns extend beyond local pollution. By 2035, data centers are predicted to consume more natural gas than Germany and Japan combined, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. This growth threatens to exacerbate climate change, with frequent heatwaves becoming more severe. Legal and administrative measures, such as moratoriums in New York and several cities, reflect the growing public resistance.

Concerns extend beyond the environment. Citizens fear the encroachment of surveillance and the potential misuse of data. Local residents, like Donna Greenberg, worry that data centers will strain resources and infringe on privacy. The debate highlights the tension between technological progress and community well-being, as cities balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibilities.