Erin Brockovich recently found herself inundated with 30 emails from residents of a single town, prompting her to investigate further. Known for her pivotal role in the 1993 lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) concerning groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California, Brockovich became a symbol of environmental advocacy, particularly after the 2000 film where she was portrayed by Julia Roberts. The case ultimately secured a $333 million settlement, marking a significant moment in the history of direct-action lawsuits. With no formal legal training, Brockovich emerged victorious against a powerful corporation, earning her a place as a modern-day hero.
Her recent emails were primarily about data centers. In April, she invited concerns about such facilities through her website, and within a month, she received 3,862 responses. While acknowledging the necessity of data centers for technology, she expressed concern about the new facilities built to support artificial intelligence, describing the expansion as akin to “Hinkley on steroids.”
Brockovich emphasized that this situation transcends a narrative solely about AI. “The genie is out of the bottle—AI is here, and it’s a tool that can be utilized or ignored,” she affirmed. The focus, she said, should be on the enormous data centers that demand extensive resources and occupy vast areas—some spanning hundreds of acres. Notably, a recent approval in Utah greenlit a center twice the size of Manhattan.
The messages she’s receiving reflect a spectrum of emotions and confusion. Many express disbelief regarding the abrupt construction: “Why wasn’t I informed? How did this move forward without my input?” Others raise valid concerns about the environmental impact, questioning the effects on local resources such as water, energy costs, and health implications for residents and wildlife.
In response to these worries, Brockovich created a map detailing the significant AI data centers in the U.S., both operational and in development, marking areas where community members have voiced their concerns. The data is alarming: as of June 24, there are 33 operational AI data centers, 68 under construction, and 41 proposed locations, with a staggering 7,005 reports submitted by community members, often based on what they can see.
“It’s happening across every state, from rural areas to neighborhoods,” Brockovich noted. Residents, who hold a deep respect for nature, observe the destruction around them. They share thoughts about local wildlife disappearing and express fears over potential harm to their environment and water sources.
During a video interview, Brockovich, who recently celebrated her 66th birthday, appeared youthful and vibrant. Her home office bore a resemblance to a lawyer's workspace, complete with louvered blinds revealing her picturesque California neighborhood and her two friendly dogs. She radiated a sense of determination and approachability.
Developers of data centers frequently engage in nondisclosure agreements with local authorities, raising questions about the lack of transparency in project approvals and the absence of environmental impact assessments. Brockovich voiced her astonishment at the scale at which local zoning laws are altered without community input, highlighting a troubling bypass of democratic processes.
Rather than viewing this trend as a widespread governmental conspiracy, Brockovich suggested that local councils are grappling with community opposition but face legal challenges from developers when they try to implement moratoriums or pause further developments. This has led to scenarios where communities only learn of new data centers after they have been approved. For example, in Hill County, Texas, a commission’s attempt to impose a moratorium on data center construction was met with a $100 million lawsuit.
Her concerns about the overwhelming demand for resources by these facilities are compounded by the fact that many proposed data centers are in drought-prone areas. Reports indicate that larger centers can consume up to 5 million gallons of water daily—equivalent to the daily needs of 50,000 people—raising critical questions about the potential degradation of local ecosystems and water supplies, especially as residents experience alarming spikes in their utility bills.
Brockovich, who grew up in the Midwest with a father who was an engineer, recalled the lessons instilled in her about the vital importance of land and water management. Her upbringing gave her a sense of obligation toward future generations regarding resource stewardship.
Throughout her career, Brockovich has continued to champion environmental causes, having worked on pollution-related cases against PG&E and more recently advocating against PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), toxic chemicals often found in firefighting foam. Her prominence and experience have led many individuals to reach out to her, particularly in light of alarming environmental statistics.
In stark contrast to the more subtle effects of chemical leaks, the presence of data centers is impossible to overlook, often leading to significant public outcry due to noise and other disruptive factors. Residents complain about the constant din emitted by these facilities, alongside surging electric bills.
The quick, clandestine establishment of these massive structures without adequate community engagement resembles a disregard for democratic processes. It provokes strong reactions from residents who feel their voices are being sidelined. Brockovich remarked on alternative proposals for data centers, such as placing them on barges or even in space, but remarked that these options feel far-fetched given the current situation.
Her immediate goal is a moratorium on approving new data centers while gathering data about their impacts. Through her mapping initiative, she has observed that municipal governments vary in their responsiveness based on local community emotions regarding these developments. A growing number of states are beginning to consider regulation and oversight of data centers amid public outcry.
So far, 79 municipalities have instituted temporary bans on new data centers, often met with lawsuits from developers challenging these actions. Early pauses have emerged in places like Georgia, Maryland, and Michigan, yet these efforts are just the beginning of a larger struggle against tech giants.
When discussing the political climate—a concerning backdrop for environmental advocates—Brockovich expressed hope in the bipartisan nature of the opposition to data centers. Past experiences have shown her that significant policy changes often hinge on shifts in administration.
Brockovich’s approach to advocacy focuses on building grassroots movements rather than making top-down demands. She believes in acquiring environmental impact assessments and holding town hall meetings where residents can voice their concerns. “Let’s gather the necessary information and then listen to the community,” she suggested, maintaining confidence in the ability of the law to effect change, especially as lawsuits continue to escalate in financial stakes.
Her activism extends beyond U.S. borders; she receives inquiries from individuals in various countries, including Australia and Ireland, where similar concerns about data centers are emerging. Brockovich is acutely aware of the global implications of this issue, encouraging a collective response to the overwhelming challenges posed by large-scale data center demands.
Despite feeling the weight of experience, Brockovich remains committed to her cause, stating she will continue fighting until the very end. She believes in collaboration as the key to overcoming these challenges and remains hopeful that the community will unite in their quest for environmental justice.
