Memphis and Michigan Activists Challenge Data Center Power Grids
June 30, 2026
Grassroots movements in Memphis, Michigan, and across Canada are mobilizing against the environmental and energy costs of AI data centers, forcing a confrontation between tech hyperscalers and local resource sovereignty. While the Canadian government attempts to stabilize the national grid through new provincial power interties, the lack of transparency around corporate water and electricity consumption is driving a political backlash that links climate activism with digital infrastructure defense.
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Inside SELC's Clean Air Case Against xAI in Memphis
In this second of three episodes on xAI's data center buildout in Memphis, Tennessee and Southaven, Mississippi, Justin Hendrix speaks with Amanda Garcia, senior attorney and data center project leader at the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), about the fight over Colossus and Colossus 2 and…
- AI governance
- media and technology
- structural power
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In cities across Canada, hundreds gather to oppose unchecked AI data centre proliferation
In Vancouver, demonstrators marched from the Vancouver Art Gallery to City Hall against two proposed TELUS-linked AI data centres, part of a BC cluster that could consume 150 megawatts of BC Hydro power by 2032. It was one of many demonstrations across the country.
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The big-tech backlash is coming. Canada's leaders aren't ready for it
A recent column criticizing Elon Musk drew the ire of his fellow tech executives. Why they're missing the forest — surging opposition to AI and data centres — for the trees.
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When surveillance becomes part of the landscape
The advance of these technologies is not occurring as an exception. They are established silently, without public debate, without transparency and without people knowing the fate of their data
- geopolitics
- media and technology
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Exposing Alberta’s Wilful Blindness to AI Centre Harms
The UCP refuses to tally risks to nature and people. This expert did it for them.
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The Anti-Data-Center Movement Is Reshaping Michigan Politics
Climate activist Will Lawrence cofounded the Sunrise Movement. Now, he has shifted his focus in his attempt to compete for a swing-district seat by calling for a data center moratorium.
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Imagining Broadband Policy of, by, and for the People
Access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet is a prerequisite for nearly every part of modern life, from finding work and finishing schoolwork to seeing a doctor or staying in touch with family. Yet millions of American households remain stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide. That'…
- AI governance
- media and technology
- structural power
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BRIEF
Ottawa unveils five new provincial power links to charge-up national electricity plan
Interties connecting BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as PEI, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia unveiled as first step in developing cross-Canada clean electricity grid.