Protests halt $130 billion in data center projects

Community opposition has significantly impacted the development of data centers across the United States, leading to the halting of projects valued at an estimated $130 billion this year alone. These protests, often fueled by concerns over environmental impact, resource consumption, and local infrastructure strain, are demonstrating a growing public willingness to challenge large-scale tech infrastructure. The success of these local movements is providing activists with a tangible sense of political efficacy, suggesting that community organizing can effectively influence the pace and location of future data center expansions.