Across the Midwest, the rapid rise of massive data centers is sparking conflict between tech companies and local communities. While developers tout jobs and tax revenue, residents fear water shortages, pollution, and higher energy bills. Protests, lawsuits, and political recalls have followed, pushing lawmakers to propose stricter environmental and energy regulations. The result is a modern David-versus-Goliath battle as rural towns like DeForest push back against the resource demands of the AI boom.