Facing a data center proposal near you and not sure where to start? You are not alone, and you do not have to map the fight from scratch.
In this session we walk through the Data Center Decision Tree for Communities, a visual roadmap that helps you find your next move based on where your fight stands right now. Whether a data center is rumored, proposed or already approved in your area, the decision tree points you toward the actions and resources that fit your situation.
Questions about the decision tree, or working on a data center fight in your community? Contact Meagan Niebler at Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services: mniebler@fairshake-els.org.
What this webinar covers
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How to read the decision tree and locate your community’s current situation.
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Options to stand up to a proposed data center, and ways to mitigate harm when one is already moving forward.
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How zoning and ordinances shape what your community can ask for.
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Where community benefits agreements fit into the conversation.
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When and how to bring in attorneys and other outside support.
Links and resources
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Data Center Decision Trees for Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia: https://www.fairshake-els.org/datacenters
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Challenging Data Centers 101: https://www.fairshake-els.org/blog/2026/5/6/challenging-data-centers-101
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Messaging Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/136NrmMBZWfLVc1e8pz516mq8XB900tMF0Jl2Vgrn6OY/edit?pli=1&tab=t.srgtv7olptew#heading=h.jj84npdf8vkp
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Data Center – Anticipated Approvals and Permits: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WidwUtT6-YgvMKb24NoJWrLXb2PSUh-SQWBwq3SAik4/edit?usp=sharing
Want help using the decision tree or working on a data center fight in your community? Connect with others doing this work in the Halt the Harm Network forum.