Big Tech's Data Centers Drive Up Energy Costs, Impacting U.S. Farmers
In the United States, the rapid expansion of data centers by Big Tech companies is causing significant concern among farmers and residents due to rising energy costs. As data centers proliferate, they demand substantial energy and water resources, leading to increased utility bills for local communities. In states like Virginia, residents are already experiencing a utility bill crisis, attributed to the energy demands of these centers. The Maryland People's Counsel has highlighted a wealth transfer from residential utility customers to large corporations, exacerbating the energy affordability crisis. Additionally, data centers are major water consumers, with usage tripling from 5.6 billion gallons in 2014 to 17.4 billion gallons in 2023. This increased demand for water resources poses a threat to agriculture, especially in regions already facing water scarcity. 
