The right-wing boomers protesting data centers have a lot in common with the left
A conservative grassroots movement is protesting the construction of hyperscale data centers in Florida, citing concerns over noise, environmental impact, and the societal effects of AI. The movement highlights an unusual alignment between right-wing activists and broader concerns regarding the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing trend of local community resistance against the physical infrastructure required for the AI boom, bridging traditional political divides.
On a gray, humid Saturday morning in central Florida, a little under a dozen people gathered outside the Spring Hill Branch Library to protest the construction of a hyperscale data center in their community. There was no immediate threat — the Hernando County commission had unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on such developments in June — but the organizers weren’t satisfied. A temporary pause wouldn’t be enough. They wanted a ban.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in