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Erin Brockovich Just Launched an AI Data Center Map — and It Highlights a Growing Problem Tech Giants Are Avoiding
The crowdsourced map aims to track proposed and existing data centers as tech companies invest billions in AI infrastructure, activists said.
On Tuesday, environmental activist Erin Brockovich launched a citizen platform tracking AI data center projects across the country through a real-time map inviting public updates.
Major tech companies including Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Google and OpenAI collectively spend at least $700 billion this year on AI infrastructure, according to CNBC, highlighting electricity demands, water usage and grid strain.
Community submissions total more than 2,700 reports, with Texas accounting for more than 600, while the website documents 15 local moratoria on data center projects and six zoning or permit denials.
Brockovich wrote on the map webpage: 'I am watching you, communities showing up and speaking out,' leveraging her $333 million settlement victory against Pacific Gas and Electric Company over water contamination.
Communities across the United States are moving to regulate or block new data center construction, while President Donald Trump's administration has taken a largely hands-off approach to AI regulation despite ongoing investment.