A conservative organization calling for stronger safeguards on artificial intelligence is mobilizing activists across the country for a nationwide protest against the rapid expansion of AI data centers.

Humans First, which advocates for an "America First AI policy," announced plans for a "Nationwide Day of Protest" on July 18, with demonstrations scheduled for at least 13 locations in Georgia, California, Texas, Florida, and Virginia.

The group says the protests are designed to push back against what it calls the "unchecked expansion of AI data centers" and to give ordinary Americans a greater voice in the debate over AI policy.

According to Humans First, the rallies will "give grassroots Americans, particularly grassroots conservatives, a voice in the critical debate over policies relating to the building of massive AI data centers."

The effort comes as Republicans in Washington seek to balance concerns about the potential risks of AI with support for maintaining America's technological edge over foreign competitors.

Amy Kremer, chair of Humans First and a veteran Tea Party organizer, told Axios many conservatives feel their concerns are being ignored by political and corporate elites.

"I was one of the earliest leaders of the Tea Party movement in 2009, and I can tell you that the disconnect between the elites and the base that gave rise to the Tea Party movement can be seen today in the battle over AI data centers," Kremer said in a statement.

"In the spirit of the Tea Party, we are announcing a Nationwide Day of Protest against the unchecked and unwanted expansion of AI data centers and the dangerous AI systems being built within them to be held on Saturday July 18," she added.

Kremer also accused Washington politicians of "doing the bidding of big tech and big AI billionaires," arguing that opposition to AI data centers has become a major grassroots issue among conservatives.

A website promoting the demonstrations cites concerns including water consumption, energy use, air pollution, land use, noise, secrecy, and national security.

The issue has drawn criticism from both conservatives and liberals, raising the prospect of unusual alliances among Americans concerned about the impact of large-scale AI infrastructure projects on local communities.

Last month, Kremer led a letter signed by conservative leaders calling for stricter vetting of artificial intelligence technologies.

While Humans First is focused primarily on energizing conservative activists, the organization told Axios it welcomes participation from anyone opposed to the expansion of AI data centers.