Each community is unique, and each data center proposal has its own set of circumstances. This is a simplified list of tried-and-true tactics Food & Water Watch relies on to defeat data center projects.
Step 1: Learn how decisions are made in your community
person get to make their comment? etc.
to the project at your local government meeting. If possible, stay until the end of the meeting and try to speak with decision makers to gauge where they stand. f Reviewing minutes or record- ings of previous meetings to see what your local electeds said about the proposal. Once you learn which decision makers are on the fence, focus your time emailing and calling them — they’re the ones you can sway. Step 3: Recruit others in your community
It’s also helpful to see if data center projects have been approved or are further along in the approval process in neighboring communities. Their process could be similar to what yours will be like. The more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be in
voicing your opposition. Step 2: Identify your decision makers
To understand how your local government reviews and approves data centers, a good place to start is its website. f Many data centers move forward through zoning changes; see if the website mentions a zoning board or committee. If so, find out when and where they meet, and start attending those meetings regularly. f Find out when and where the next municipal or county government meeting will be, and start attending those, too. f To prepare for these meetings, get to know your community's rules for public participation. For instance, if a hearing on a zoning change is sched- uled, how much advance notice will the public get? Will there be an opportunity for public comment? How much time does each
Your decision makers are the local elected officials who can stop or approve a project. Figure out which of them support the project, which oppose, and if
To get elected officials to vote against the data center project, you have to demonstrate widespread opposition among their constituents.
any are on the fence. You can do this by: f Contacting your local electeds. Express your concerns, and ask if they’ll vote no. f Giving public comment in opposition
Stop Data Centers - continue on Page 3 >
On the cover (photo by Mark Dixon/Blue Lens): Pennsylvania Director Megan McDonough and her team are fighting for a data center moratorium in Pennsylvania. Earlier this year, she deliv- ered a powerful speech at the Statehouse in Harrisburg. Her words will fire you up! Watch a clip here: fwwat.ch/megan
FOOD & WATER WATCH / ACTION — LIVABLE FUTURE NOW | 2
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