Data Centers

Overview

Data Centers are becoming an increasing concern. They bring with them a myriad of problems ranging from massive consumption of potable water, negative impacts on our nation’s climate goals, use of fossil fuels as an energy source, health concerns, placement in environmental justice communities, and a current lack of regulatory oversight of data centers while their growth continues at an unprecedented rate. Generating a 100 word email with ChatGPT would use an entire bottle of water for cooling down the servers. This water, currently, must be drinking water quality so as to not bring sediment, minerals, or other contaminants into the system that could disrupt the electronic components of the facility. The energy demands of data centers put the climate goals of the entire world in danger. The power demand for artificial intelligence (AI) alone is projected to triple by 2030 in the US.

Communities that live near a Data Center or multiple have reported issues with a consistent low humming noise coming from the facility. Others have experience constant light pollution, problems with drinking water to their homes, strange smells, negative health impacts, and even increased electrical bills. AI and data center use is so novel and new, that regulators, politicians, decisionmakers and the public are not yet aware of the harms that result from its use for the environment and the climate, and in turn for their own health and safety. But these projects are appearing at an unprecedented rate across the country and throughout the Delaware River Watershed.