They fought against datacenters. Now they are running for local offices
Across the US, anti-datacenter organizers are harnessing community anger to win local elections
TL;DR
- Anti-datacenter organizers are running for local office across the US.
- These activists aim to address community concerns about affordability, the environment, and tech expansion.
- Monterey Park, California, became the first US city to ban datacenter construction, with an organizer now running for city council.
- The Working Families Party is actively recruiting datacenter activists to run for office, expecting significant growth in candidate numbers.
- Concerns about water usage, noise pollution, electricity bills, and government transparency have fueled opposition to datacenters.
- Datacenter backlash has influenced election outcomes, such as an Oregon senate primary where an educator defeated an incumbent who supported industrial development.
- Activists argue that funds spent on datacenters could be used for public services like hospitals and schools.
- The movement aims to empower everyday citizens against powerful corporate interests impacting local communities.