Erin Brockovich, whose name became synonymous with grassroots activism following the 2000 film about her work, has shifted her focus to the environmental impact of artificial intelligence data centers. This year, TIME recognized Brockovich as one of the 100 most influential people in AI.
Responding to public sentiment, Brockovich initiated a project to map AI data centers across the United States. This initiative allows community members to report information about data centers in their proximity, contributing details on energy consumption, physical scale, and local economic effects. The resulting map has garnered over 9,000 submissions and serves as a hub for information on legislative and community actions aimed at addressing data center development.
Brockovich has expressed particular concern over the lack of transparency and public involvement surrounding data centers. She emphasizes the importance of proactive notification for residents before decisions are finalized, and advocates for elected officials to prioritize their constituents over corporate interests seeking tax incentives and zoning adjustments.