No Data Centers In My Backyard: a midwest field report on the AI buildout

Data center opposition is uniting diverse groups, from MAGA farmers to feminist academics, conservative NIMBYs to Bernie bros. Midwest comedians have dubbed it the "most bipartisan issue since beer." Recently, New York implemented a statewide moratorium, marking a significant precedent.

To better understand this phenomenon, we embarked on a 10-day road trip across data center sites in Wisconsin and Michigan. Our discussions with residents, technicians, politicians, activists, planners, and businesspeople revealed why Americans harbor such strong sentiments against data centers. Is it concerns over water, AI anxiety, billionaires, or something else? Can data centers be built responsibly?

Join us at Notion HQ for drinks, bites, and an engaging presentation followed by a Q&A session.

• 🕔 Doors/refreshments open at 5:30 PM
• 📅 Program from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• 🕗 Hang out until 8:00 PM

🔒 Capacity is limited, so please RSVP!

— Jasmine Sun & Theo Bleier