Residents Push Back Against Data Farms Powering AI Across the U.S.

Local communities raise concerns over energy, water demands and environmental impact of massive data center projects.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:27pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a massive data center facility, with towering server racks and cooling systems illuminated by vibrant neon lights, conceptually representing the physical scale and energy demands of the infrastructure powering AI.As communities across the U.S. grapple with the environmental and infrastructure impacts of the AI data center boom, the glowing digital infrastructure powering this technological revolution remains a source of growing local tension.Oakley Today

Data centers to power the fast-growing artificial intelligence sector are often pitched to local communities as economic windfalls, but the surge in new construction has been met with strong local opposition. These massive facilities draw pushback for their heavy energy and water demands and sprawling land use, even as developers promise jobs and tax revenue that critics say frequently fail to materialize locally.

Why it matters

The rapid growth of AI data centers is driving a surge in electricity demand in many states, which could lead to higher utility bills for residents. Sustainability is also a big concern, as more than half of the energy used to power data centers comes from fossil fuels. Additionally, the millions of gallons of water needed daily to cool data centers can reduce local water supplies that wildlife depend on, especially in dry regions.

The details

About 1,500 data center projects are in the works nationwide, with investments estimated at $88 billion in the United States. However, more than $64 billion in projects have been blocked or delayed due to local opposition. Residents have raised concerns about emissions, noise, vibration, and the impact on ecosystems and wildlife. Some state legislatures are also questioning whether the tax breaks offered to attract data centers have gone too far.

  • This week, the city council in Oakley City, California, joined jurisdictions pausing data centers, giving officials time to study how these facilities affect electricity and water systems.
  • In Joliet, Illinois, earlier this year, citizens opposed plans for one of the biggest data farms in the Midwest on a site bordering two mostly residential suburbs.
  • The Aurora City Council in Illinois approved new regulations on data centers as a 180-day moratorium on such developments was set to expire.

The players

Oakley City Council

The city council in Oakley City, California, has joined other jurisdictions in pausing data centers to study their impact on local infrastructure and gather public input.

Shannon Shaw

An Oakley City Councilwoman who wants the 45-day moratorium on data centers to be made permanent.

Rich Janor

A researcher with Data Center Watch, a nonpartisan grassroots research group that tracks local opposition to data center projects.

Andrea Baumhardt

A Joliet, Illinois, resident whose home would be across the street from a proposed data center facility.

Alex Ambrose

A policy analyst with the New Jersey Policy Perspective who has criticized the impact of data centers on the state's power grid and utility rates.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I want this to be as strong as possible. I do not want data centers to come in. I don't want anything to happen where we don't end up with a quorum. I want to take every possibility of this slipping through the cracks.”

— Shannon Shaw, Oakley City Councilwoman

“Opposition is more widespread, more bipartisan and stronger than ever before.”

— Rich Janor, Researcher, Data Center Watch

“I kind of find them disturbing because they keep advertising about how great it is. And let's be clear, if it's so great, why can't we have three basic questions answered: What is the water source? What is the power source? And how much power is it going to be using?”

— Andrea Baumhardt, Joliet Resident

“Families are being asked to pay more, while clean energy projects that could lower costs sit in a long line waiting for approval.”

— Alex Ambrose, Policy Analyst, New Jersey Policy Perspective

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.