US Calls for Moratorium on Data Center Expansion Due to Environmental and Health Concerns

A coalition of over 230 health, environmental, and consumer advocacy groups has urged the United States Congress to halt the development of new data centers nationwide until comprehensive regulations are established. Organizations such as Food & Water Watch, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Greenpeace warn that the unchecked growth of data centers is contributing to increased energy consumption, water usage, and pollution.

According to the groups, the rapid expansion driven by AI and cryptocurrency demands is disrupting local communities and threatening national ecological and economic stability. They emphasize that existing regulations are insufficient to manage the environmental footprint of these facilities.

Recent reports indicate that between March and June this year, approximately 20 proposed data center projects have been paused or blocked through community efforts. The concern is that the rising electricity costs, partly fueled by AI’s significant energy requirements, have become a pivotal issue in recent elections.

Energy providers have plans to address this surge in demand by expanding natural gas infrastructure, which risks intensifying climate change and increasing local air pollution. Additionally, Food & Water Watch estimates that by 2028, water consumption by AI data centers could match the indoor water use of approximately 18.5 million American households.

Advocates argue that a temporary halt on new data center projects is essential to develop sustainable policies that protect environmental health and ensure social equity.