AI Data Centers &
Our Communities
An initiative by Erin · Environmental Advocate
"The RACE to build AI infrastructures is unfolding town by town across America. In some places, data centers are welcomed. In others, they are delayed, contested or abandoned altogether. This MAP captures the real-world footprint of that race — revealing patterns of growth, conflict and uncertainty.
I am watching as YOU, the communities show up and speak out. In the famous words of Mark Twain … “The secret of getting ahead is getting started,” so let’s go!
— Erin"
AI Data Centers Across the United States
A map of major AI data centers across the U.S. — operational, under construction, permitted, proposed and cancelled — overlaid with locations where community members have emailed in concerns. Click any marker for details, or use the layer switcher at the top right of the map to show and hide categories.
Note: The colored data center pins cover publicly announced, major AI-focused and hyperscale facilities — including projects that were cancelled, blocked or shelved. Each popup lists its source citations. Many smaller or unannounced facilities are not listed, and this is not a registry of every data center in the country. Know of one missing? Report it here.
"Community Reported" pins show data submitted by concerned residents across the US about AI data centers. Note that locations might be approximate, covering reported zip codes or nearby areas.
Each popup names whether the site sits inside a municipality's limits or on unincorporated county land — which decides who holds the zoning hearing: a city council answerable to residents in town, or county commissioners whose district may not include the nearest neighbors. Coordinates are tested against US Census Bureau TIGER boundaries, and where a pin is only approximate, or its mapped county contradicts the county on record, the popup says so rather than asserting a boundary the data cannot support.
Data center locations compiled from Compute Atlas and Epoch AI (both CC BY 4.0), plus news reporting and public filings. Some site coordinates are approximate — popups say so where that's the case.
Key Concerns with AI Data Centers
Energy Consumption
High energy usage contributes to significant environmental impact and escalating costs for surrounding communities.
Water Usage
Cooling systems often require substantial water resources, straining local water supplies and ecosystems.
E-Waste
Frequent hardware upgrades and replacements generate significant volumes of electronic waste.
Location Risks
Natural disasters, flooding, or geopolitical instability can disrupt operations and impact local infrastructure.
Scalability & Efficiency
Growing demand strains local resources and infrastructure, often outpacing community planning capacity.
Noise
Constant humming from cooling systems, generators, and substations can disrupt sleep, daily life, and wildlife in surrounding neighborhoods.
Report Your AI Data Center Issue
Use the form below to share what you've witnessed in your community. Your report helps build a clearer picture for everyone.