Residents across the US are pushing back against new datacenter developments, citing secrecy and resource strain. In Lenox Township, Michigan, a proposed campus led to outrage and recall petitions against local officials. Emails revealed developers had contacted supervisors without public disclosure, fueling community distrust and packed public meetings.

This opposition reflects growing anxieties about the rapid expansion of data infrastructure and its environmental impact. Datacenters consume vast amounts of electricity and water; one facility can use as much power as 2,000 homes. Concerns over property values, strained resources, and lack of transparency are uniting diverse communities.

Nationwide, this movement is delaying or blocking billions in datacenter projects. In Festus, Missouri, a $6 billion deal faced a recall effort, while in Yukon, Oklahoma, a proposed $1 billion facility also triggered a recall petition. Developers often operate under non-disclosure agreements, further eroding public trust.

The pushback highlights a broader debate on how and where critical digital infrastructure is built, with communities demanding greater transparency and control over projects impacting their local environments and economies.