Launch of Data Center Advocacy Campaign

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 a leader 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 are hosting postcard writing parties 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.

Host a Video Screening to Help Launch a Climate Hope Affiliate

Recently, two volunteers in Billings, Montana, showed the video at their local public library, and afterward, 19 people signed up to help start a local chapter of Climate Hope Affiliates. Set up a meeting with the Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt to plan a similar event in your community.