pure whataboutism is different, and often changes topics, and is defined to be as a response to an accusation, though I personally think where/when it applies is broader

this is asking (rhetorically), for those who care about the environmental impacts of human activity (like I do), why not put that energy towards more fruitful targets? Why get so outraged at one thing, but not the things that are worse?

I do think we need to regulate data center operations, but it is nowhere near as bad as the worst offenders. I suspect the answer to my questions here are that this is the first time Americans have felt like they are being heard in a long time, so everyone is doubling down, regardless of bigger pictures.