WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – A nationwide day of protest opposing the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, with demonstrations planned in more than 50 locations across the country, including two in West Virginia.
The protests are being organized by Humans First, a conservative advocacy group that says it is seeking to pressure local, state and federal officials to address concerns over the rapid growth of AI data centers.
According to the organization, the demonstrations are intended to highlight concerns about rising utility costs, increased water demand, noise, land-use changes and what the group describes as national security risks associated with AI infrastructure.
Humans First states that while more than 4,000 data centers have been built across the United States, a recent Gallup poll found that 70 percent of Americans oppose having one built in their community.
In its organizer toolkit, the group says its mission is to “protect our hometowns, our wallets, and our way of life from AI data centers forced on us in backroom deals.”
“We’re putting everyday Americans back in charge of what gets built in their communities and holding the politicians who sold us out accountable,” the group added.
In West Virginia, two demonstrations are planned.
A protest is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday outside Charles Town City Hall, located at 101 E. Washington St. in Charles Town.
Another demonstration is planned from 10 a.m. to noon in Romney, where participants are expected to gather peacefully in front of the Hampshire County Courthouse at 19 E. Main St.
The events are part of the broader national protest effort taking place on July 18.
