Environmental activist Erin Brockovich has launched a new initiative focused on increasing transparency around data center construction in the United States.

Known for her high-profile legal battle against Pacific Gas & Electric, later portrayed in a film starring Julia Roberts, Brockovich is now turning her attention to the rapid expansion of data centers and their impact on surrounding communities.As part of her effort, Brockovich recently introduced a public website featuring an interactive map of data centers across the country.The project is described as a work in progress and relies heavily on reports submitted by residents living near these facilities.

According to Brockovich, the initiative received nearly 4,000 community submissions within its first month after she issued a public call for information in April.The feedback collected highlights a recurring concern: lack of transparency.Residents frequently reported that they were not adequately informed about new data center projects until after permits had already been approved.Other concerns include noise, water usage, rising utility costs, and limited communication from developers and local authorities.In some cases, community members claimed that non-disclosure agreements were signed before local residents were aware of proposed developments.Brockovich emphasized that her campaign is not intended as a blanket opposition to data centers or artificial intelligence infrastructure.Instead, she argues that communities deserve clearer information and earlier engagement when such projects are planned.

Her goal, she says, is to document a pattern of opaque development practices and encourage more accountability from both companies and public officials involved in permitting processes.

The initiative adds to growing public debate over the environmental and social impact of expanding digital infrastructure, particularly as demand for AI and cloud computing continues to increase.