"The open letter [PDF], sent to members of the US Congress by campaign group Food & Water Watch, complains that the AI-driven wave of datacenter expansion is stoking demand for more energy, which in turn leads to further greenhouse gas emissions, straining water resources, and higher electricity prices for ordinary consumers across the country. Organizations endorsing the letter collectively represent millions of citizens across all 50 US states, the group claims."
"Investment in datacenters has hit an all-time high, thanks mostly to the burgeoning requirements of training and serving AI. Analyst firm Omdia estimates global datacenter capex will top $657 billion by the end of 2025, almost double the figure of just two years ago, with the US dominating this spending. In hotspots such as Virginia, hyperscale datacenter capacity is greater than the entire capacity of China or the whole of Europe, according to previous figures."
More than 230 organizations across America have called for a moratorium on datacenter construction, citing substantial environmental and social threats. The campaign group Food & Water Watch argues that AI-driven datacenter expansion is increasing energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions, water strain, and electricity prices for ordinary consumers. Endorsing organizations represent millions across all 50 states and urge Congress to suspend new facility construction until regulations protect communities and the environment. Datacenter investment has surged to record levels, with global capex projected to exceed $657 billion by 2025 and regional hotspots consuming far more power and water.
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