LETTERS: Dangerous dogs; data centers

A letter to the editor in the Colorado Springs Gazette addresses the growing threats posed by large AI data centers to American communities, specifically highlighting concerns within Colorado. The author argues that data centers are unfairly raising electricity costs for families, with utility companies increasing rates to accommodate the significant energy demand, leading to potential price hikes of up to 267% for nearby communities. The letter also details the environmental burdens, including unhealthy air, light, and noise pollution, suggesting that data center pollution could contribute to 600,000 additional asthma cases in the U.S. by 2030. This is particularly concerning for Colorado, which already faces air quality issues from ozone and wildfire smoke. Furthermore, the extensive water usage of data centers, up to five million gallons daily, equivalent to entire towns, is highlighted as a serious strain on local water supplies in drought-prone Colorado, which is experiencing record-low snowpack. To mitigate these severe threats, the letter advocates for the passage of Colorado Senate Bill 26-102. This legislation would mandate new large data centers to invest in clean energy to support their own demand and require annual reporting on their energy and water usage. The author, a student, calls on fellow Coloradans to contact their legislators in support of this crucial bill.