Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has entered the contentious debate surrounding a proposed AI data center in Pittsburg, California, publicly endorsing a teenager leading the local opposition. The progressive congresswoman's involvement elevates a local dispute over the AVAIO Perseus Data Center project into a national conversation about the environmental and community impacts of such facilities.
Sadie Cisneros, a high school student, has gained widespread attention for her vocal opposition to the 76-acre data center campus planned for the East Bay suburb. A clip of her testimony at a recent Pittsburg City Council hearing went viral, garnering millions of views online. Cisneros argued that data centers consume vast amounts of energy, contribute to urban heat islands, and can cause noise pollution and potential health issues.
Ocasio-Cortez, who has previously called for a moratorium on data center construction, commented on Cisneros's viral testimony via Instagram. "Thank YOU for being an example and showing that we ALL can speak up, make a difference, and carry on with our day," the New York representative wrote, a comment that received significant engagement. She further stated, "This is real influence! And it DOES have an impact."
The Pittsburg city council approved the data center project in a 5-0 vote in 2024. City officials and the developer, Avaio Digital, have highlighted the project's potential to create jobs and stimulate the local economy. The facility, planned for a former municipal golf course, is projected to have a 99-megawatt capacity. Pittsburg Mayor Juan Antonio Banales described it as a "major investment in our local economy."
However, residents living near the proposed site express significant concerns. Carmen Magallan, whose home is across the street from the planned location, voiced worries about noise, construction disruption, and the impact on their community. "This is a neighborhood. There’s so many homes around here. How can you just plop it right down there?" she stated, indicating that some residents are considering moving.
Pittsburg officials have scheduled a "community engagement workshop" for July 30 to discuss the project further, opting for a virtual Zoom meeting format instead of an in-person hearing. Meanwhile, opponents, energized by the national attention, vow to continue their fight against the data center development. The debate reflects a broader national discussion regarding the rapid expansion of data centers, driven by increasing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing, and the associated environmental and community costs.