Environmental groups call for halt to new data center construction

Amid a surge in energy demand from data centers, a coalition of over 230 environmental organizations is urging a suspension on the approval and construction of additional facilities. Prominent groups such as Food & Water Watch, Friends of the Earth, and Greenpeace have united to send a public letter to Congress, advocating for a nationwide halt to new data center projects. They emphasize concerns over escalating electricity and water usage. The letter highlights the rapid and largely unchecked expansion of data centers, fueled by the burgeoning AI and cryptocurrency markets, which they argue disrupts communities and jeopardizes Americans' economic and environmental well-being. Research has shown that the influx of data centers can lead to increased energy costs for consumers. A recent survey commissioned by solar energy provider Sunrun revealed that 80% of respondents are apprehensive about the potential impact of data centers on their utility expenses. This year, electricity prices have surged by 13%, marking the highest annual increase in a decade. The states that are expected to feel the most significant effects include Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and New Jersey, all of which are projected to see substantial increases in data center capacity. Forecasts suggest that energy demands for data centers will nearly triple in the next ten years, escalating from 40 gigawatts today to 106 gigawatts by 2035, with much of this growth occurring in rural regions. Environmental activists warn that this trend exacerbates the already troubling societal impacts of AI, such as job losses, social unrest, and economic concentration. Protests against proposed data centers have intensified recently. Demonstrators gathered outside DTE’s headquarters in Detroit last week, voicing opposition to the company's request for approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission to provide electricity for a new 1.4 gigawatt data center catering to OpenAI and Oracle. Concerns were raised regarding rising electricity costs, excessive freshwater usage, and increased traffic congestion. Additionally, tensions flared in Wisconsin, where three individuals were arrested during a council meeting discussing a 902 megawatt data center linked to the Stargate project by OpenAI and Oracle.