More than 385,000 people have signed a Change.org petition, and the conflict has made national headlines. Even country star and Nashville staple Brad Paisley posted a video, calling the project a "monstrosity" and an "absolute nightmare scenario."

The bare outline of the conflict -- community versus data center -- sounds increasingly familiar. Towns in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and so many more are grappling with what could happen to their communities when a data center moves in -- and how little say they might have in the matter.

But this particular showdown stands to put a furry face on some of the worst fears people have about data centers. From sound and environmental pollution to the regulatory chaos that ensues as local governments hustle to update zoning policies, it's not hard to see why a national audience has its eyes trained on the possible plight of a creature like the clouded leopard and the community around it.

"We can all visualize that," said Joe Szynkowski, founder of The UpWrite Group, and a PR professional who's worked with companies on crisis management. "That's what makes it powerful -- this poor little sad animal right next to a multi-billion dollar industry. I think that's a pretty easy story to tell."