A grassroots leader opposing the development of AI data centers in Virginia is also linked to the Party of Socialism and Liberation (PSL), a Marxist-Leninist organization that has faced scrutiny for its connections to international networks, including ties to individuals associated with China, according to digital documentation.
Jack Tensley, identifying as an "organizer" within PSL, addressed the Frederick County Planning Commission in January, voicing significant concerns regarding the proposed projects, particularly their cost, energy consumption, and associated liabilities.
"My significant concern relates to security risks. We face cyberattacks and infrastructural vulnerabilities — I'm apprehensive about whether this could make Frederick County a target," Tensley expressed. "There's a lot at stake here."
Tensley’s remarks underscore broader issues surrounding the expansion of data centers, particularly in light of his affiliations with PSL and the China-based Singham network. As the U.S. endeavors to enhance its AI capabilities, local disputes over zoning laws and electricity allocations have raised alarms about potential external influences attempting to mobilize opposition to American AI infrastructure through community actions.
Energy experts have cautioned that wealthy foreign entities may be financing campaigns against data center projects nationwide.
PSL has attracted particular ire for its activities. The organization characterizes itself as a political faction focused on anti-war, labor, immigration, and socialist initiatives, as stated on its website.
According to PSL, "The Party for Socialism and Liberation strives to advance the struggle for socialism in the United States. The capitalist system has failed, with its relentless pursuit of profits posing a threat to global ecological well-being."
Research from the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), a nonpartisan think tank focused on cryptocurrency, has revealed that PSL has spearheaded anti-data center initiatives across at least 14 states, opposing an estimated $23.6 billion in AI investments. Furthermore, BPI pointed out connections between PSL and Neville Roy Singham, a businessman based in Shanghai, noting shared leadership roles among various nonprofits that Singham has financially supported. Singham, 72, has come under the spotlight from lawmakers due to his reported connections to the Chinese Communist Party.
After selling his tech firm for $800 million in 2017, Singham has been accused of financing organizations that advocate for pro-Chinese Communist Party agendas in the U.S. Since 2017, he has reportedly allocated $278 million to a wide-reaching network of nonprofits, many of which engage in anti-ICE, anti-Israel, and pro-Iran activism.
Some lawmakers, like Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, have urged the Department of Justice to investigate this network.
"Disturbing reports suggest that a foreign network, spearheaded by the Chinese Communist Party, is attempting to sway U.S. policy and public sentiment regarding data centers," Cotton stated in correspondence addressed to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. He warned of U.S. nonprofits funded by Neville Roy Singham, who is under scrutiny for his links to Chinese Communist elements.
Although there are overlapping affiliations, it's unclear whether Singham provides direct financial support to PSL. The Bitcoin Policy Institute criticized PSL as a political entity focused on impeding progress on data centers.
"PSL operates as the on-the-ground arm of the opposition movement, organizing rallies, petitions, and public hearings, while mobilizing local candidates and community organization to halt these projects," noted BPI.
Tensley, in addition to his PSL involvement, has attracted attention for his online presence. He has contributed to political campaigns, including a $172 donation to Senator Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential run, as stated in Federal Election Commission records.
Currently, Tensley remains opposed to Frederick County's data center initiatives, and his activism appears to have influenced recent decisions. He is part of the "Protect Frederick County from Data Center Development" group and has signed petitions urging the county supervisors to reject the proposed developments.
In June, the planning board decisively recommended against a 220-acre project in Clearbrook, Virginia, with a vote of 10 to 0. Additionally, the board voted 7 to 1 against a second project spanning 71.8 acres in Winchester.
Fox News Digital made multiple attempts to seek comments from Tensley.
