Activists Stage Data Center Prop at Schumer's Brooklyn Home Ahead of Vote
New York groups demand the Senate block the BAAJA bill, which critics say weakens environmental laws to fast-track AI infrastructure.
By Natalia Costa ·
Protesters gathered outside Senator Chuck Schumer’s Brooklyn residence on Friday morning to oppose a federal permitting bill.
The demonstration featured a large prop of an AI data center positioned directly in front of the senator's building. Activists held a giant blank check to symbolize what they described as unchecked spending on technology infrastructure.
The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, or BAAJA, is scheduled for a Senate vote on Monday. The bill is part of a sweeping federal permitting package that supporters say will accelerate energy projects.
Critics argue the legislation provides a major advantage to fracked gas projects intended to power new data centers. The bill would reduce federal oversight and permit requirements for oil and gas companies. It also allows polluting corporations to sue for taxpayer payouts if their permits are rejected.
Representative Jeffries publicly opposed the bill shortly before the protest. He cited concerns about changes to environmental laws and protections for tribal sovereignty. Despite his stance, protesters focused their demands on Schumer. They urged him to stop the cloture vote that would allow the bill to advance during the lame duck session.
Pete Sikora, Climate and Inequality Campaigns Director with New York Communities for Change, stated that Democrats should not collaborate with Republicans and Big Tech to build more data centers. He said Schumer should pull the plug on this cooperation, especially after the recent election.
The bill faces opposition from environmental, civil rights, and Native American organizations. These groups point to specific provisions that weaken existing laws. The bill guts Section 106 of the National History Preservation Act, which handles tribal consultation. It also rolls back the Clean Water Act and undermines the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
Eric Weltman, a senior organizer with Food and Water Watch, noted that voters rejected Big Tech agendas in the recent election. He asked if Schumer’s first action would be to approve the industry's wish list. Liat Olenick of Climate Families NYC said the bill should not receive a vote in the lame duck session. She argued that New York families deserve protection from the environmental costs of AI expansion. Activists plan to remain outside Schumer's home through the weekend and will protest at his Manhattan office on Monday.
