At the start of the summer, the chapter leaders of Climate Hope Affiliates began considering the matter of whether and how to address data centers after Myste Montesano from our Downers Grove chapter raised the issue. After reviewing multiple bills introduced in Congress, we reached consensus on an advocacy campaign that would begin in August and continue until Election Day.
Congress members and those running for office are feeling pressure from voters over the financial and environmental costs of data centers. Accordingly, our campaign has three goals: educate voters about the environmental justice issues at stake, encourage local media outlets to cover these issues, and advocate for the co-sponsorship of bills currently before Congress. With these goals in mind, Climate Hope Affiliates will plan postcard writing parties for September that feature screenings of a 17-minute video on the racial and economic injustices involved with the xAI data center in Memphis.
The postcards addressed to members of Congress will feature the winning artwork from this year's Climate Hope Art Contest, along with the message, “What kind of future do we want? Don’t ask AI. Ask our children.”
With more than 3,000 data centers already operating—and at least 267 of them classified as "hyperscale" facilities that demand enough electricity to power at least a small city—urgent action is needed to install guardrails that protect communities across the country now. Below, you will find more information about how Climate Hope Affiliates will participate in a growing national movement to confront data centers.
Webinar: Data Center Legislation
Early leadership in Congress to develop guardrails for data centers has come from Reps. Rob Menendez (D-NJ) and Greg Casar (D-TX) who introduced two bills addressing the environmental and economic impacts of data centers. Rylee Stirn, the Senior Legislative Assistant for Rep. Menendez, will discuss these bills in the next monthly webinar for Climate Hope Affiliates on Saturday, August 15th at 10 am AZ / 11 am NM & El Paso.