White House doubles down on data centers

The Trump administration just announced a pledge with tech companies in an attempt to gloss over fears about data centers and rising energy costs.

We’re not fooled: This “so-called” pledge is just an attempt to silence communities worried about rising energy bills. It doesn’t address energy affordability, and it will only pave the way for harmful climate pollution. 

The White House’s plan is unchecked data center growth, more fossil fuel pollution, and more pipelines in our communities. 

But it won’t work: Across the South, people are speaking out and saying no to dirty air and higher energy bills. 

At SELC, we’re working alongside communities to push back against some of the biggest companies in the world. Together, we’re fighting to protect the places we call home from the harmful and unwanted impacts of the data center boom. 

Here’s a snapshot of our work in action:

• Colleton County, South Carolina: We’re suing to protect one of the most important conservation areas in the South from data centers.
• Memphis, Tennessee: xAI built an illegal power plant to power its massive data center, and we’re planning on suing them for it.
• Pittsylvania County, Virginia: This small rural community said no to a massive gas-fired power plant and data center complex.

The Trump administration may be giving tech companies a green light to build more polluting power plants, but today’s announcement means they’re feeling the pressure. Our voices matter. 

The technology of the future doesn’t mean we need to double down on the dirty, expensive energy of the past. Data centers can and should be powered by clean energy, built responsibly, and developed with transparency and community input. 

SELC will keep up this fight. But with the Trump administration and their polluting allies lined up against us, we need your help. We can’t do this work without you, and we thank you for your support.