Public Testimony/Written Comments

Local Groups Raise First Amendment Concerns Over County's Social Media Policies

Local animal-welfare advocates raised concerns at commission meetings, contacted the agency, spoke on its public Facebook pages and sought assistance after their critical on-line comments about an animal-control facility allegedly became hidden. A national free speech organization then formally requested policy revisions and restoration of blocked users.

Civil Liberties & Human Dignity Public Testimony/Written Comments

Tampa Bay 28 • Lakeland, FL • Sep 14, 2026

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How High School Students and Young Adults Helped Flip an Incumbent School Board

High-school students and young adults attended board meetings, organized with peers, canvassed neighborhoods and contacted voters. Some participated even though they were too young to vote themselves.

Education Coalition Building/Community Organizing

Suncoast Searchlight • Sarasota, FL • Sep 4, 2026

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County Planning Commission Recommends Pausing Proposed AI Data Center Following Community Pushback

The county planning commission voted in favor of a data center moratorium that would bar development until regulations are in place to govern potential projects. The recommendation followed public testimony by a local coalition of county residents, farmers, and advocates (Cass County Data Center Watch) that called for the moratorium. The commission approved recommending the moratorium to the Board of Commissioners, which will have the final say over whether to approve one.

Animals, Natural Resources & Environment Coalition Building/Community Organizing

Nebraska Public Media • Weeping Water, NE • Jul 14, 2026

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Community Opposition Leads Property Owner to Withdraw Support for AI Data Center

A proposed AI data center was paused before construction could begin after the property owner withdrew his signature from a required land-use application, citing public opposition. Residents submitted comments, attended meetings, and organized around environmental and infrastructure concerns. The county government is considering a review and potential update to rules to ensure the full impact of data centers are addressed before approving future projects.

Animals, Natural Resources & Environment Public Testimony/Written Comments

Inside Climate News • Bonner, MT • Jul 9, 2026

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Residents Push to Save Solar Observatory as Demolition Nears

A grassroots coalition of New Mexico residents called Friends of Sunspot are pushing to save the nearly 80-year-old Sunspot Solar Observatory after the National Science Foundation announced its plans to demolish the site due to environmental safety reasons. The coalition wants to pause demolition until area stakeholders can agree on an alternative plan.

Animals, Natural Resources & Environment Coalition Building/Community Organizing

Source New Mexico • NM • Jul 3, 2026

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Voters Replace Four City Council Members Who Approved Data Center Project

Local residents in Festus, Missouri protested, petitioned, spoke at city council meetings, and elected four new city council members after the previous council approved a $6 billion data center project.

Animals, Natural Resources & Environment Petition to Government or Business

KCUR • Festus, MO • Jun 8, 2026

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