Environmental activist Julie Bolthouse and local groups are pushing back against the rapid growth of data centres in Northern Virginia, highlighting the region’s overwhelming electricity consumption and potential harm to local communities. Dubbed ‘Data Centre Alley’, this area hosts over 477 data centres, driven by the demand for computing power amid an AI boom. Critics argue the facilities strain local infrastructure and air quality while footing residents with costs for necessary upgrades. As similar protests gain momentum globally, industry giants like Microsoft and Amazon respond with pledges for renewable energy and sustainability improvements.