Environmental Groups Demand Moratorium on New Data Centers Amid Climate Concerns

More than 230 environmental organizations, including Food & Water Watch, Friends of the Earth, and Greenpeace, have called on Congress to impose a nationwide moratorium on new data center construction.

This demand arises from concerns about the high energy consumption and environmental impact of data centers, particularly in light of their rising electricity and water usage. According to TechCrunch, the letter from these groups highlights that the rapid expansion of data centers, driven by the AI and cryptocurrency industries, poses threats to economic, environmental, climate, and water security.

Studies indicate that energy demand for data centers could increase from 40 gigawatts today to 106 gigawatts by 2035. The letter emphasizes that many communities are experiencing higher energy prices linked to new data centers, with eight in ten consumers expressing concern about data centers affecting their utility bills.

Inside Climate News reports that data centers are not only energy-intensive but also require significant amounts of water for cooling. As a result, some areas, particularly those facing drought, are experiencing heightened scrutiny over water use.

The call for a moratorium has gained traction as communities nationwide, from New York to Alabama, have opposed local data center projects due to fears of rising costs and environmental degradation. Activists argue that the benefits touted by data center proponents, such as job creation and tax revenue, often do not materialize, leaving communities to bear the costs.

The urgency of this issue is underscored by the potential for data centers to emit an additional 44 million tons of carbon dioxide by 2030, equivalent to adding ten million cars to the road, as reported by Slashdot.

With growing bipartisan opposition across the U.S., environmental groups are pressing for a pause on new data center developments until adequate regulations can be established to protect communities and the environment.