Why are environmental groups demanding a moratorium on new data centers in the US?

Groups are concerned about the immense energy and water consumption of data centers, which drives up energy prices and strains natural resources.

How much water will AI data centers need by 2027?

Projections estimate that AI data centers alone will require 6.4 trillion gallons of water annually by the year 2027.

What is the impact of new data centers on energy prices?

The increased demand from data centers has led to an average 13% rise in energy prices across much of the United States.

Home / Environment / Environmental Groups Demand Halt to New Data Centers

Environmental Groups Demand Halt to New Data Centers

20 Jan

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Summary

Over 230 groups seek ban on new US data center construction.
Soaring energy prices and water usage are major concerns.
AI data centers may consume 6.4 trillion gallons of water by 2027.

Environmental Groups Demand Halt to New Data Centers

A significant movement, comprising more than 230 environmental organizations, is advocating for an immediate halt to the construction of new data centers across the United States. This nationwide call for a moratorium arises from escalating concerns about the immense energy and water demands driven by the burgeoning AI industry.

These groups highlight that the proliferation of data centers is contributing to a 13% average increase in energy prices nationwide. Furthermore, power companies are increasingly turning to fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal to meet this demand. By 2027, AI data centers are projected to consume an astonishing 6.4 trillion gallons of water annually, placing severe strain on communities' water resources.

The organizations have expressed alarm over the "rapid, largely unregulated rise of data centers to fuel the AI and crypto frenzy," warning of disruptions to communities and threats to economic, environmental, climate, and water security. This opposition signifies a growing public scrutiny of the technology sector's environmental footprint and its resource consumption.