Erin Brockovich unveils crowdsourced AI data center roadmap

Environmental activist Erin Brockovich has set her sights on something new: AI data centers.

An activist and consumer advocate recently launched the program Brockovich AI Data Center reporting websitewhich tracks AI data centers being built across the country. The project has several data centers already operational and under construction. Users can submit AI data centers that are being built or proposed to their community as well.

“The race to build AI infrastructure is taking place city by city across America,” Brockovich’s statement on the website reads. “In some places, data centers are embraced. In others, they are delayed, resisted or abandoned altogether. This MAP captures the true history of that race – revealing patterns of growth, conflict and uncertainty.”

Data center construction has become the focus of state and local politics, with some communities planning to halt new construction. Environmental groups and the NAACP also joined the fight.

Brockovich’s take on AI data centers is critical.

In the 90s, while working as a law clerk, Brockovich experienced a major corporate bankruptcy from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Brockovich revealed that the company was closing down water pollution in Hinkley, California. The ensuing legal battle resulted in PG&E paying a historic $333 million settlement, at the time the largest single-party settlement in US history.

Brockovich’s story was turned into a movie, titled Erin Brockovich, and Julia Roberts portraying an activist. The film, released in 2000, was a commercial and critical success. Roberts would go on to win an Oscar for his portrayal of Brockovich.

The Brockovich AI Data Center Reporting website currently lists 33 operating data centers, 44 locations under construction, and 27 proposed locations. There are also 2,716 data center locations posted by users across the country.

The most AI data center reports are in Texas, with 612 reports. Sulfur Springs, TX, alone has 297 data center reports.

Users who posted reports shared that the biggest concerns about AI data centers in their city involved water, electricity, and the overall health of people in their community.

According to the Center for Environmental and Energy Studieslarge AI data centers can consume about 5 million liters of water per day, or the equivalent of what a city of 10,000 to 50,000 people uses. Other report from the UK found that AI data centers “could release more than one million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than previously thought.”

The website also offers interesting events on its Community Impact page, showing how people can make a difference. According to the Brockovich AI Data Center Reporting website, more than 15 moratoria or suspensions of AI data centers have been passed due to public backlash. In Festus, MO, four city council members were removed from office after an AI data center vote.