Video · YouTube AI Data Centers — Community Impact
Our Communities
An initiative by Erin · Environmental Advocate
"TheRACEto build AI infrastructures is unfolding town by town across America. In some places, data centers are welcomed. In others, they are delayed, contested or abandoned altogether. ThisMAPcaptures the real-world footprint of that race — revealing patterns of growth, conflict and uncertainty.
I am watching asYOU, 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"
Many people have been reaching out to me regarding an existing or upcoming AI data center that is located in the heart of their community.
Key Concerns with AI Data Centers #
Energy Consumption
High energy usage contributes to significant environmental impact and escalating costs for surrounding communities.
Water Usage
Cooling systems often require substantial water resources, straining local water supplies and ecosystems.
E-Waste
Frequent hardware upgrades and replacements generate significant volumes of electronic waste.
Location Risks
Natural disasters, flooding, or geopolitical instability can disrupt operations and impact local infrastructure.
Scalability & Efficiency
Growing demand strains local resources and infrastructure, often outpacing community planning capacity.
Noise
Constant humming from cooling systems, generators, and substations can disrupt sleep, daily life, and wildlife in surrounding neighborhoods.
AI Data Centers Across the United States #
A map of major AI data centers in the U.S. that are either operational or under construction, overlaid with locations where community members have emailed in concerns. Click any marker for details.
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Operational
built & running
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Under Construction
announced or building
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Proposed
in pipeline / pending approval
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Community Reported
locations nationwide
Last updated: May 24, 2026
Operational
Under construction
Proposed
Community Reported
Note: This map shows publicly announced, major AI-focused and hyperscale data centers running AI workloads. Each marker's popup includes its source citation. Many smaller or unannounced facilities are not listed. Know of one missing? Report it here.
"Community Reported" pins show data submitted by concerned residents across the US about AI data centers. Note that locations might be approximate, covering reported zip codes or nearby areas.
Latest News & Articles #
Staying informed is the first step to protecting your community. Here are the latest developments in AI data center accountability.
[ Read →
](https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/09/tech/ai-data-center-utah-kevin-oleary-opposition) CNN
Kevin O'Leary's Massive Utah AI Data Center Faces Mounting Opposition
[ Read →
](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/01/us/politics/liberals-conservatives-data-centers.html) The New York Times
Liberals and Conservatives Are Finding Common Ground — Against Data Centers
[ Read →
](https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2026/04/maine-ai-data-center-moratorium-ban-energy-grid/) Mother Jones
Maine Moves to Ban New AI Data Centers Over Energy Grid Concerns
[ Read →
](https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5843665-data-center-backlash-grows/) The Hill
Data Center Backlash Grows
[ Read →
](https://www.businessinsider.com/data-center-industry-response-growing-pushback-regulation-2026-4) Business Insider
How the Data Center Industry Is Responding to Growing Pushback and New Regulation
Have a news tip or article to share? Report it here.
Report Your AI Data Center Issue #
Use the form below to share what you've witnessed in your community. Your report helps build a clearer picture for everyone.