A proposed $5 billion data center campus in Landover, Maryland, has been put on hold thanks to the efforts of Taylor Frazier McCollum, a local activist who rallied her community against the project. The data center, which was set to break ground between 2026 and 2027, would have been built on a 90-acre site that was once home to the Landover Mall. Frazier McCollum, who lives less than a mile away from the site, was instrumental in organizing opposition to the project, citing concerns about water pollution and diesel generators.
Frazier McCollum's activism was sparked by the proposed data center's proximity to her home and community. She created a petition that gathered over 25,000 signatures, leading to widely attended protests and multiple local moratoriums imposed on data centers throughout the county. Her efforts have made her a prominent figure in local politics, with some even referring to her as "the Landover girl." Frazier McCollum's activism has also drawn attention from local media and environmental groups.
Frazier McCollum's personal story is a key part of her activism. She and her young daughter were evicted from their apartment in 2024, and she has since been living with her grandfather. Her experiences have given her a unique perspective on the issue, and she has become a powerful voice for those opposed to data center development. Frazier McCollum has also formed alliances with other activists and groups, including environmentalists and socialists.
While Frazier McCollum's efforts have been successful in blocking the Landover project, some in Prince George's County are concerned about the economic implications of pausing data center development. The county faces a budget deficit, and data centers could provide much-needed revenue. Council member Wanika Fisher has acknowledged the need for development and has called for a "real conversation" about the role of data centers in the county's economic future.
Frazier McCollum is now broadening her activism, seeking a full ban on data center projects and taking her message to other communities fighting similar battles. With grants from environmental groups, she has traveled to Black communities in Atlanta, Memphis, and even Zambia to share her experiences and build support for the cause. Her father, Lacy McCollum Jr., sees the data center fight as a civil rights issue, rooted in the right to clean air and water.
As Frazier McCollum continues to advocate for her cause, she is also exploring new opportunities and challenges. Some have urged her to run for office, but she says she wants to focus on paying off her debt and finding a stable home first. In the meantime, she is pitching alternative plans for the Landover site, including a sports complex or affordable housing. While these ideas may not be as lucrative as a data center campus, they reflect Frazier McCollum's commitment to her community and her vision for a more sustainable future.
The impact of Frazier McCollum's activism is being felt nationwide, with estimates suggesting that about 500 moratoriums on data centers have been imposed across the country. Her efforts have sparked a wave of opposition to data center development, and her message is resonating with communities from Maryland to Zambia. As the debate over data centers continues, Frazier McCollum's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of grassroots activism and community-led initiatives.
Key points
- Local activist Taylor Frazier McCollum helped block a $5 billion data center project in Landover, Maryland, citing concerns about water pollution and diesel generators.
- Frazier McCollum's activism has sparked a wave of opposition to data center development nationwide, with estimates suggesting that about 500 moratoriums have been imposed across the country.
- Frazier McCollum is now seeking a full ban on data center projects and taking her message to other communities fighting similar battles.
