Americans have gotten used to federal gridlock when it comes to some of the most pressing issues in their lives. But when it comes to data centers, local communities aren’t waiting.
This week in OtherWords, small town Colorado mayor Jamie Jeffrey shares how her community came together around a five-year data center moratorium. In a state plagued by drought and water shortages, she asks, who needs the extra stress on their water supply?
“Our small town reflects communities across the country,” she writes. “According to a recent Gallup poll, over 70 percent of Americans oppose data centers in their local areas. Nearly 500 cities, towns, and counties nationwide have enacted or are considering moratoria on data centers… Your town can, too.”
Also this week Ai-jen Poo shares about the need for international action to protect the rights of domestic workers, who make so much other work possible by caring for children, elders, and others. And in an era where everything’s more expensive, Jim Hightower highlights the Trump administration’s efforts to help airlines pile on “junk fees” and avoid compensating passengers for delays and cancellations.
New This Week…
My Town Passed a Data Center Moratorium. Yours Can, Too. | Jamie Jeffrey
In an already water-stressed part of the country, the last thing we need are hyperscale data centers overburdening our supply.
Domestic Workers Make the World Go Around | Ai-jen Poo
Domestic workers make all other work possible. We need international action to protect their rights.
Trump’s Transportation Secretary Wants You to Pay More Junk Fees | Jim Hightower
Duffy has been trying to roll back rules disclosing airline junk fees and requiring compensation for some canceled flights.
In Case You Missed It…
Want to Save Democracy? Save Journalism. | Sonali Kolhatkar
Real journalists are losing their job while money flows into pay for play social media. We need a publicly funded alternative.
Helping the Powerful Escape Accountability | Jordan Liz
Trump is dismantling the International Criminal Court to protect himself, his allies, and Israel. We shouldn’t let him.
Corporations Keep Finding New Ways to Gouge Us. Our Laws Must Catch Up. | Lindsay Owens
As companies trap us in subscriptions, bury us in fees, and use algorithms to fix prices, we need a new Shoppers’ Bill of Rights.
Democracy Works — When We Defend It | Nicholas Martinez
I spent years as a local elections official. More attacks on this year’s elections are coming — defeat them by making a plan to vote today.
