Residents Nationwide Challenge Big Tech Over Data Center Expansion and Resource Use
Across the United States, residents and activists are increasingly opposing the construction of data centers by major tech companies such as Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. A report by Data Center Watch highlights that between May 2024 and March 2025, community efforts successfully delayed or halted data center projects valued at $64 billion. Despite these efforts, thousands of data centers are still being built or planned. In Indiana, for instance, local opposition has been met with limited success against the legal and political power of these corporations. A notable incident in Indianapolis involved gunfire at the home of a city-county council member who supported a data center project, underscoring the tensions surrounding these developments. The primary concerns revolve around the significant consumption of water, electricity, and land by these centers, with critics questioning the long-term benefits for local communities. 
