_WHAT’S HAPPENING_
A network of left-wing activist groups is mobilizing opposition to AI data center construction across the United States, framing the facilities as environmental threats and tools of surveillance.
The movement spans Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) chapters, anti-ICE organizations, and environmental justice groups, upending one of President Trump’s biggest priorities as America seeks to maintain its technological advantage over the rest of the world.
Follow the full story: AI data centers: claims vs. facts
_THE FACTS_
Left-wing activists have blocked or delayed $130 billion in data center projects since May 2024.
The Heinz Endowments bankrolled Pennsylvania activist group Protect PT with $400,000 in 2024.
155 local moratoriums on data center construction are already in place, with another 127 proposed across 40 states.
DSA member Astra Taylor called the anti-data-center movement "one of the biggest political opportunities that I've personally ever seen."
New York state's data center moratorium could raise AI costs to $500-$600 per month for residents, according to industry figures.
OpenAI documented Chinese-linked accounts using ChatGPT to fuel hysteria over data center water and energy use.
China-based communist billionaire Neville Roy Singham has directly funded much of the organized resistance.
Conservative activist Amy Kremer's "Humans First" anti-data-center protests were quietly organized in part by Green Party members and progressive activists.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) says "the CCP is thrilled with data center moratoriums" and warned against "misinformation stunting our nation's ability to lead on AI."
_OUR TAKE_
The fact that the left-wing anti-data-center movement has already delayed or blocked $130 billion in projects is a serious problem as China races ahead in AI development.
As we’ve covered in Upward News previously, there are legitimate concerns that data centers could disrupt local communities and the environment. But to progress ahead in the new industrial revolution — which we now find ourselves in with the launch of ubiquitous AI — it requires massive amounts of power.
Shooting ourselves in the foot is not the answer, especially by Chinese Communist funded billionaires and leftists.














