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According to a report from Newsweek, a coordinated national day of protest against data centers is scheduled for July 18 as communities across the United States voice growing opposition to the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The demonstrations, organized by the conservative advocacy group Humans First, aim to highlight concerns over surging utility costs, increased water consumption, noise pollution, changes to local land use, and potential national security implications associated with the unchecked growth of AI-related facilities.
With more than 4,000 data centers already constructed nationwide, the group points to widespread public resistance, citing a recent Gallup poll showing that 70 percent of Americans oppose having such a center in their community.
Amy Kremer, chair of Humans First, expressed optimism about participation in the upcoming events. She told Newsweek the group expects “a good turnout” on July 18, noting that more Americans are “signing up every day” to join them.
The protests reflect mounting tensions as tech companies race to build expansive data complexes to support advancing AI capabilities. Proponents argue these facilities are vital for maintaining America’s competitive edge, particularly against rivals like China. However, many residents fear the developments are being pushed through without sufficient local input or consideration for their impacts on daily life.
Humans First has identified more than 50 locations for planned actions on July 18. The list spans cities and towns including Atlanta and Athens in Georgia; Austin, San Antonio, and multiple sites in Texas; several locations in Florida and California; and places in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and beyond. Organizers describe their effort as a push to reclaim community control over local development decisions.
In materials outlining their goals, the group states their mission is to “protect our hometowns, our wallets, and our way of life from AI data centers forced on us in backroom deals.” They add, “We’re putting everyday Americans back in charge of what gets built in their communities and holding the politicians who sold us out accountable.”
Kremer emphasized that elected leaders must listen to constituents. “Elected officials are not listening to the American people, and they work for us,” she said, underscoring the power of collective action: “there is power in numbers, and when we coordinate an effort like this, they will not be able to ignore us.”
The chair also addressed broader worries about AI development, stating, “These companies are building AI systems to replace us, and they say so openly,” while noting tech firms are “racing toward superintelligence while admitting they do not know how to control what they are building.” She clarified that the group supports beneficial AI development under stricter oversight and an “America First” framework, including mandatory safety testing.
The July 18 protests arrive amid heightened national scrutiny. Communities have raised alarms about data centers being sited in drought-prone regions and near critical water sources, contributing to higher electricity demands and other strains.
A Gallup survey from May revealed that resource impacts were a primary concern for half of those opposing the facilities, alongside worries over quality of life, costs, pollution, and safety. Environmental activist Erin Brockovich has documented thousands of related community complaints, while reports indicate billions of dollars in proposed projects facing delays or blocks due to local pushback.
End Time Headlines is a ministry founded, owned, and operated by Ricky Scaparo, established in 2010 to equip believers and inform discerning individuals about the “Signs and Seasons” of the times in which we live. Ricky authors original articles and curates news from mainstream sources, carefully selecting topics, verifying information, and utilizing artificial intelligence tools to ensure content is both timely and accurate. Every piece is personally reviewed and edited by Ricky to align with the ministry’s mission of providing a prophetic perspective on current events.
