Erin Brockovich uses a computer model to display the growing environmental hot spots as she speaks during an Oklahoma Earthquake Town Hall Meeting at the University of Central Oklahoma February 23, 2016 in Edmond, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
J Pat Carter/Getty Images
It was only a matter of time before famed environmental activist Erin Brockovich weighed in on Texas’ growing data center boom.
As the state races to become the data center capital of the world, Brockovich has launched a new website mapping data center development and amplifying concerns from residents living near major projects—across Texas and the nation.
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“Many people have been reaching out to me regarding an existing or upcoming AI data center that is located in the heart of their community,” wrote Brockovich. “This MAP captures the real-world footprint of that race—revealing patterns of growth, conflict and uncertainty.”
The website, brockovichdatacenter.com, includes a community statistics page that breaks down reports by state, city and type of environmental concern, while also highlighting recurring issues raised by nearby residents, including water usage, energy consumption, noise pollution and mass scalability.
Since launching on April 30, more than 2,716 reports have been submitted to Brockovich’s site. Texas leads all states with 612 reports, according to the platform’s published data.
Most of the reports to Brockovich have stemmed from residents in Sulphur Springs, Texas, a city halfway between Dallas and Texarkana.
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Currently, a massive 1,600-acre development led by MSB Global Services and dubbed “The Matrix Center” is underway. At the end of construction, there will be 30 buildings hosting AI processing. CEO Mikey Lucas says each building will be double the size of a Costco, according to KLTV.
Statewide, Texas currently has 481 data centers in operation, with hundreds more in the works, according to Data Center Map. By 2030, it is estimated that the state will be home to the largest data center hub in the world.
The Sabey Data Center in Round Rock, Texas. Texas has become the central focus of Erin Brockovitch’s new website tracking complaints surrounding data centers. (Aaron E. Martinez/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images)
Austin American-Statesman/Hearst/Austin American-Statesman via Ge
Texas’ land availability, natural gas supply, and lax regulations make the state attractive for the kind of infrastructure expansion needed to keep pace with accelerating artificial intelligence demand.
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However, the speed and magnitude of data center expansion have stirred anxiety not just from surrounding residents, but also from influential figures like Brockovich, who are calling for transparency and greater environmental accountability.
“The #1 concern continually reported is lack of TRANSPARENCY!” said Brockovich regarding submissions to her website. “Reccurring phrases and words included in comments are: silenced, ignored, secretive, back door deals, NDA, not seen and not heard; along with concerns of rising utility bills, sick animals, health concerns and declining property value,” said Brockovich.
Brockovich: America’s environmental sweetheart
Brockovich first rose to national prominence in the early 1990s after helping build a landmark case against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) over groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California. The case resulted in a $333 million settlement, at the time one of the largest direct-action lawsuits in U.S. history.
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Her story was picked up by Hollywood in 2000 and turned into an Oscar-winning movie starring Julia Roberts, prompting Brockovich’s name to become synonymous with all things environmental activism.
2000 Julia Roberts Stars In The Movie Erin Brockovich. (Photo By Getty Images)
Getty Images
Today, her work has expanded into consumer advocacy as well as environmental and legal consulting.
In a recent video posted on her Facebook page, Brockovich told her followers that the intent behind the data center reporting website is to bring awareness.
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“Staying informed is the first step to protecting your community,” said Brockovich.