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Gilroy, California, is facing community opposition to a 400,000-square-foot Amazon Web Services data center due to concerns about its environmental impact, particularly regarding water and electricity usage. The facility is projected to consume electricity equivalent to powering 20,000 homes continuously.

A petition with thousands of signatures seeks to regulate the project. Mayor Greg Bozzo emphasizes the economic advantages of the center, stating the city cannot halt construction. Amazon claims it will utilize air cooling and minimize water use but faces skepticism from residents about rising utility costs and potential lithium battery fire risks. Local advocates demand third-party oversight to monitor the data center's performance and prevent future constructions.