Environmental Groups Urge Congress to Halt New Data Center Construction Amid Rising Energy Costs
Environmental groups, including Food & Water Watch, Friends of the Earth, and Greenpeace, have called for a national moratorium on the approval and construction of new data centers. This appeal is driven by concerns over the rising electricity and water consumption associated with these facilities. A public letter signed by over 230 organizations was sent to Congress, highlighting the impact of data centers on energy prices and environmental resources. The letter points out that the rapid expansion of data centers, fueled by the demand for AI and cryptocurrency processing, is disrupting communities and threatening economic and environmental security. Studies have shown a correlation between the presence of data centers and increased energy prices, with electricity costs rising by 13% this year alone. The demand for data centers is expected to triple by 2035, particularly affecting states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and New Jersey. 
