LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Democratic U.S. House candidate William Lawrence is pushing back against Flock cameras, calling the surveillance system “un-American.” Lawrence, who is running to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, also says data centers could be used to process information gathered by surveillance systems.

Earlier this week, Barrett discussed two bills aimed at giving local communities more control over data center development. One would prevent federal agencies from overriding local land-use and permitting decisions involving data centers. The other would prohibit members of Congress from signing nondisclosure agreements related to data center projects.

Lawrence has a history of activism involving energy and environmental issues. In 2013, he chained himself to construction equipment at an Enbridge pipeline work site and refused to leave. Lawrence pleaded guilty to felony resisting and obstructing police, while a misdemeanor trespassing charge was dismissed. The felony conviction was later expunged.

Since then, Lawrence addressed the arrest on Instagram, saying, “Was it righteous? Absolutely. Was it wise? Perhaps not.”

The race between Barrett and Lawrence is expected to draw national attention as Republicans and Democrats battle for control of the U.S. House. Lawrence, a former member of the Democratic Socialists of America, won the Democratic nomination earlier this month and will face Barrett in November.