Tracking the Truth About Toxic Tech
Toxic Tech Is Threatening Our Communities
The growth of hyperscale data centers in the United States has exposed a critical problem: a lack of accountability.
Dream.Org’s Tracking the Truth About Toxic Tech examines how companies obscure the true environmental and economic burdens of data center development and outlines how communities can demand transparency, accountability, and power in the decision making process.
Additional Resources:
Right now, there is no federal mandate that requires data centers to publicly report their emissions or their water, electricity, and energy use. Companies often share only limited or vague information that masks local impacts and limits meaningful public oversight. Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are frequently used to conceal critical details like who is building the project, how big it will be, or how much energy it will use.
Required reporting on water, energy, and pollution is essential for responsible innovation because it helps communities understand what’s happening, speak up, and make informed decisions about their lives.
State and local governments exist to keep communities safe and informed. Many states are working on legislation that increases transparency, strengthens oversight, protects local resources, and allows residents to have a voice.
With organizing, clear information, and local policy action, residents can push back against secrecy and demand a more accountable approach to technology development. This foundation can set the stage for federal AI policy that works for all communities.
The right tech, the right way requires organized community power, enforceable transparency, and policies that give people real power to help decide what happens in their neighborhoods.
People-Powered:
- Coordinate with neighbors to show up at local city council or zoning board meetings. Prepare questions, share resources, and work together so everyone’s voice is heard.
Demand Transparency & Accountability:
- Advocate for specific, measurable, and standardized metrics to report on energy use, water consumption, emissions, and environmental impacts. Call for independent, third party verification of data center reporting.
Community-First Decision Making:
- Demand early community consultation before permits are approved and local ordinances that mandate community impact assessments with clear opportunities for community input.
