Environmental organizations urge a suspension of new data center developments

Environmental Groups Push for Halt on New Data Centers

With the surge in energy consumption driven by data centers, environmental advocates are urging a pause on the development and approval of additional facilities.

Over 230 organizations—including Food & Water Watch, Friends of the Earth, and Greenpeace—have collectively signed an open letter to Congress. They are calling for a nationwide suspension on new data center projects, highlighting concerns over escalating electricity and water usage.

The letter states, “The unchecked expansion of data centers, fueled by the growing demand for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, is disrupting communities nationwide and putting Americans’ economic stability, environmental health, climate, and water resources at risk.”

Research has shown that the introduction of data centers in a region often leads to higher energy costs. This sentiment is echoed by the public; a recent survey commissioned by solar company Sunrun revealed that 80% of respondents worry that data centers could increase their utility expenses.

This year alone, electricity rates have climbed by 13%, marking the largest annual jump in the past ten years.

States such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and New Jersey are expected to experience the greatest impact, as they are set to see the largest growth in data center capacity.

Projections indicate that energy requirements for data centers will nearly triple over the next decade, rising from 40 gigawatts today to 106 gigawatts by 2035, with much of this expansion occurring in rural communities.

Environmental groups warn that these trends add to the already significant societal challenges posed by AI, including job displacement, increased social unrest, and greater economic concentration.

Recent Protests and Community Concerns

Debate over proposed data centers has intensified recently. Last week, demonstrators gathered outside DTE’s headquarters in Detroit. The utility is seeking approval from Michigan regulators to provide power for a 1.4-gigawatt data center serving OpenAI and Oracle. Protesters voiced fears about rising electricity bills, excessive water consumption, and increased traffic congestion.

In another incident last week, three individuals were arrested in Wisconsin during a city council meeting regarding a planned 902-megawatt data center, which is part of OpenAI and Oracle’s Stargate initiative.