A collective of over 230 organizations across the United States has issued a call for an immediate halt on the construction of new datacenters, pointing to significant environmental and social risks posed by the ongoing building spree. Led by Food & Water Watch, the groups argue that the surge in datacenter development, largely driven by AI technologies, is escalating energy demand, thus amplifying greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating water resource strains, while also potentially increasing electricity costs for American consumers.

The coalition’s open letter to members of Congress demands stringent regulations to counter these impacts. With datacenter investments hitting unprecedented highs, largely due to AI’s growing computational demands, analysts anticipate global spending will surpass $657 billion in 2025, with the US leading these expenditures. The letter asserts that before further developments proceed, it is imperative to ensure comprehensive measures are in place to safeguard communities and the environment. Despite these concerns, government policy appears focused on maintaining pace with global competitors like China, further promoting datacenter expansion tied to AI growth as a priority.

The growing necessity for increased energy supply has even rekindled reliance on coal-fired power, one of the most pollutant forms of energy production. Meanwhile, the datacenter sector aims to improve its public perception, emphasizing the critical infrastructure role they play akin to utilities like water and power. However, it remains crucial to address the compelling ecological concerns these facilities pose, ensuring a sustainable path forward.