Erin Brockovich Takes on Data Centers

About this episode

<p>Since a famous case against a California utility, the name Erin Brockovich has become synonymous with a fighter taking on big polluters. Earlier this year, Brockovich began receiving e-mails from people worried about the construction of A.I. data centers, which is happening at a frenetic rate all over the country. People expressed concerns about the loss of farmland and natural areas; disruptions to the water table; deleterious noise; and substantial usage of electricity and water, leading to rising utility bills. She speaks with David Remnick about her <a href="https://www.brockovichdatacenter.com/index.html#" rel="noopener noreferrer">mapping project</a> to document data-center construction and environmental complaints. “In my thirty years,” she tells Remnick, “I’ve never really seen the people show up like they are at a very local level.” </p> <p>Further reading:</p> <ul> <li>“<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/08/17/ai-is-now-a-major-election-issue#rid=bbb981d5-5569-47a7-b937-afe2d03edbed&q=data+centers" rel="noopener noreferrer">A.I. Is Now a Major Election Issue</a>,” by Benjamin Wallace-Wells</li> <li>“<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/11/03/inside-the-data-centers-that-train-ai-and-drain-the-electrical-grid#rid=bbb981d5-5569-47a7-b937-afe2d03edbed&q=data+centers" rel="noopener noreferrer">Inside the Data Centers That Train A.I. and Drain the Electrical Grid</a>,” by Stephen Witt</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour drop every Tuesday and Friday. Join host David Remnick as he discusses the latest in politics, news, and current events in conversation with political leaders, newsmakers, innovators, <i>New Yorker</i> staff writers, authors, actors, and musicians.</p> <p><i>The New Yorker Radio Hour is a co-production of WNYC and The New Yorker.</i></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>