Residents across the United States are increasingly pushing back against secretive data center projects, with bipartisan coalitions forming to demand transparency and halt developments they say threaten local resources.
In Lenox Township, Michigan, a website promoting a proposed data center campus went live in May without disclosing the developer.
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Township officials denied any application, but emails obtained by residents revealed that developers had contacted local leaders for support.
The perceived secrecy sparked outrage, leading to packed public meetings and a petition to recall four members of the Lenox board of trustees.
“The community still has questions that aren’t being answered,” a resident said.
Growing Opposition Across Party Lines
The movement is notable for uniting Republicans and Democrats, a rare phenomenon in today’s political climate.
“It reflects the growing anxiety about AI writ large,” said Evan Sutton, a strategist.
Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water.
A typical facility uses 300,000 gallons of water daily, while large ones can use 5 million gallons per day, straining local supplies and grids.
During the first quarter of 2026, at least 75 data center projects worth about $130 billion were blocked or delayed, according to Data Center Watch.
In May and June alone, recall efforts were launched in states including California, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Texas.
Recall Efforts Escalate
In Festus, Missouri, residents filed a petition to recall the mayor and three council members after they approved a $6 billion data center agreement with CRG Clayco.
