Erin Brockovich Says Data Center Risks Are Like the Infamous Contamination She Cleaned Up ‘on Steroids’ (Exclusive)

Erin Brockovich, renowned for her environmental activism and the inspiration behind the eponymous 2000 film starring Julia Roberts, is stepping into the forefront once again. This time, her focus is on the burgeoning issue of data centres across the United States, which she argues pose significant threats to wildlife, water supplies, and local energy grids.

In May, Brockovich unveiled an online platform, brockovichdatacenter.com, which acts as a map to monitor the expanding number of data centres sprouting nationwide. These facilities, essential for powering artificial intelligence and advanced computing, have seen explosive growth as demand for tech services continues to rise. Reflecting on her concerns, Brockovich remarked, “I’m like, ‘Oh my God, this is Hinkley on fricking steroids.’” This reference is a nod to her historic work in the 1990s, where she played a pivotal role in winning a monumental class-action lawsuit against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The case arose from the contamination of drinking water in Hinkley, California, due to hexavalent chromium—a known carcinogen.

The construction of data centres has generated considerable debate. As major tech companies prepare to invest trillions in acquiring and building these facilities, particularly in rural areas, there have been increasing calls for moratoriums or outright bans in certain locations. Supporters of such developments often highlight economic benefits, including job creation and tax revenue, while asserting that measures are in place to minimise environmental impacts. However, Brockovich and fellow activists challenge this narrative, arguing that the consequences are far-reaching.

“This isn’t a Hinkley in one state,” Brockovich emphasised. “This is Hinkley in multiple counties and cities, in every state.” Her concerns echo those of local residents who have become increasingly aware of the potential consequences of these developments. In rural Maysville, Kentucky, for example, Delsia Bare and her mother, Ida Huddleston, made international headlines after rejecting a $26 million offer from a major corporation interested in purchasing half of their farm for the construction of a data centre. The pair expressed trepidation over the strain on natural resources and the risks of pollution that such massive facilities could introduce to their community.

Brockovich has received a surge of communication from residents nationwide. This spring alone, she noticed a spike in emails from a single locality expressing distress about a data centre project, which was initially shrouded in secrecy. “They woke up and they’re like, ‘Wait a minute, that’s not a warehouse. What’s going on?’” she recounted, highlighting the unease felt by those in the community when confronted with sudden developments.

Determined to provide clarity and solidarity among affected citizens, Brockovich collaborated with other concerned individuals to create the data centre map. The initial response was overwhelming; on the first day of its launch, the platform experienced technical difficulties due to heavy traffic. The map features the status of “major” data centres across the U.S.—including those operational, under construction, and proposed—as well as highlighting areas where local communities have raised concerns. As of early July, it detailed 33 operational centres, 65 under construction, and 42 proposed, with thousands of reported worries nationwide.

“There are increasing reports of wildlife disappearing, issues with cattle breeding, and alarming instances of discoloured water, low water pressure, and rising utility bills,” Brockovich noted, underscoring the direct ramifications these projects can have on local ecosystems and communities.

Now a grandmother of five, Brockovich views her renewed advocacy as a vital role, serving as a “cheerleader” for those voicing their concerns. “When they go into the map, they can see they’re not alone,” she said. “They’re empowered by that.” Her mission is not just to raise awareness but also to galvanise collective action among communities facing similar challenges from data centres.

Brockovich concluded with a rallying call for change. “Something’s got to change. We just can’t keep going this way, and we can make change collectively when we all show up,” she asserted, expressing optimism at the emerging solidarity among citizens across the nation. As the debate over data centres continues, Brockovich’s efforts aim to bring necessary attention to the environmental and social implications of this rapid technological expansion.