Veterans Advocate for Moratorium on Data Centers in Public Lands Amid Rising Concerns
As the country observes Veterans Day, veterans from across the nation are uniting to protect the public lands they have loyally served. This Veterans Day, the organization Veterans for Public Lands (VFPL) is launching a bold initiative, calling for an immediate moratorium on the establishment of new data centers on public lands. The need for this action has become urgent following the recent midterm elections, which not only highlighted the involvement of veterans in politics, with a record number of 69 veterans securing seats in Congress, including numerous women veterans, but also showcased public sentiment against data center developments.
During the elections, voters decisively favored restrictions on data center projects, with results indicating opposition in 43 out of 44 local ballot initiatives. Maine voters took a strong stance by approving three binding moratoriums on data centers, while residents of Bloomington, Illinois, voiced overwhelming support for a moratorium, with 78% in favor. The results echoed a clear message: communities are concerned about the implications of allowing large-scale industrial developments on their cherished lands.
In light of these developments, VFPL is urgently appealing to the Secretary of the Interior to put a pause on new data center constructions on federal public lands. This request aims to establish necessary safeguards for public input, thorough environmental reviews, and consultations with Tribal nations. The issue has been thrust into the spotlight as a recent proposal for a data center in southern Nevada faced backlash and was returned to square one after its approval was overturned due to inadequate environmental assessments. This incident underscores the substantial risks that these projects pose not only to the environment but also to the essential water resources and energy infrastructure crucial to communities.
VFPL's campaign evolves into a call for Congress to prioritize this issue in its first 100 days. Lawmakers are urged to pass legislation that enforces a moratorium on new data centers on federal lands, enhancing public engagement, environmental evaluations, and Tribal consultations. VFPL's campaign resonates with principles of public land stewardship, emphasizing that while political views may diverge, the responsibility to safeguard shared public lands should be a unifying cause.
Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan (Ret.), chair of VFPL, articulated this sentiment, stating, "Americans may disagree on many issues, but protecting public lands that belong to all of us is a place where we find common ground." This commonality has been demonstrated across political affiliations, with data from a 2026 University of Pennsylvania Annenberg survey revealing that 69% of Democrats, 54% of Republicans, and 53% of independents oppose the construction of new data centers in their neighborhoods.
The concern surrounding data centers goes beyond mere construction. Many veterans, like Brad Noone, Veterans for Public Lands Program Manager, are advocating for the preservation of public resources, stating that the encroachment of tech companies on public lands undermines both communities and the natural ecosystems that support them. "As a combat veteran and outdoor enthusiast, I recognize how vital these lands and waters are to everyone. Our shared spaces shouldn’t be exploited for mere profit by some of the richest companies in the world," he emphasized.
The connection between military service and the stewardship of public lands has a longstanding history. These lands represent not just cherished spaces for many veterans but serve as a source of healing and purpose. They also provide various career opportunities in conservation and outdoor recreation for veterans and their families. VFPL stands ready to empower veterans and their families to take action, offering avenues for getting involved through their website, veteransforpubliclands.org/take-action.
In conclusion, VFPL's initiative highlights the expanding role of veterans in advocating for environmental and community health. The call for a moratorium on new data centers is emblematic of a larger dialogue about the future of public lands and the critical need for inclusive decision-making processes. As the movement gains momentum, it not only empowers the voices of veterans but also amplifies the urgent need to safeguard the natural heritage that belongs to all citizens.
During the elections, voters decisively favored restrictions on data center projects, with results indicating opposition in 43 out of 44 local ballot initiatives. Maine voters took a strong stance by approving three binding moratoriums on data centers, while residents of Bloomington, Illinois, voiced overwhelming support for a moratorium, with 78% in favor. The results echoed a clear message: communities are concerned about the implications of allowing large-scale industrial developments on their cherished lands.
In light of these developments, VFPL is urgently appealing to the Secretary of the Interior to put a pause on new data center constructions on federal public lands. This request aims to establish necessary safeguards for public input, thorough environmental reviews, and consultations with Tribal nations. The issue has been thrust into the spotlight as a recent proposal for a data center in southern Nevada faced backlash and was returned to square one after its approval was overturned due to inadequate environmental assessments. This incident underscores the substantial risks that these projects pose not only to the environment but also to the essential water resources and energy infrastructure crucial to communities.
VFPL's campaign evolves into a call for Congress to prioritize this issue in its first 100 days. Lawmakers are urged to pass legislation that enforces a moratorium on new data centers on federal lands, enhancing public engagement, environmental evaluations, and Tribal consultations. VFPL's campaign resonates with principles of public land stewardship, emphasizing that while political views may diverge, the responsibility to safeguard shared public lands should be a unifying cause.
Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan (Ret.), chair of VFPL, articulated this sentiment, stating, "Americans may disagree on many issues, but protecting public lands that belong to all of us is a place where we find common ground." This commonality has been demonstrated across political affiliations, with data from a 2026 University of Pennsylvania Annenberg survey revealing that 69% of Democrats, 54% of Republicans, and 53% of independents oppose the construction of new data centers in their neighborhoods.
The concern surrounding data centers goes beyond mere construction. Many veterans, like Brad Noone, Veterans for Public Lands Program Manager, are advocating for the preservation of public resources, stating that the encroachment of tech companies on public lands undermines both communities and the natural ecosystems that support them. "As a combat veteran and outdoor enthusiast, I recognize how vital these lands and waters are to everyone. Our shared spaces shouldn’t be exploited for mere profit by some of the richest companies in the world," he emphasized.
The connection between military service and the stewardship of public lands has a longstanding history. These lands represent not just cherished spaces for many veterans but serve as a source of healing and purpose. They also provide various career opportunities in conservation and outdoor recreation for veterans and their families. VFPL stands ready to empower veterans and their families to take action, offering avenues for getting involved through their website, veteransforpubliclands.org/take-action.
In conclusion, VFPL's initiative highlights the expanding role of veterans in advocating for environmental and community health. The call for a moratorium on new data centers is emblematic of a larger dialogue about the future of public lands and the critical need for inclusive decision-making processes. As the movement gains momentum, it not only empowers the voices of veterans but also amplifies the urgent need to safeguard the natural heritage that belongs to all citizens.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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