Amazon Rolls Out New Data Center Development Policies
Amazon announced new data center development commitments in response to growing community opposition nationwide. The policies include ending nondisclosure agreements, engaging communities earlier, and strengthening efforts related to water and other natural resources.
Amazon has introduced an "Amazon Data Center Commitment" outlining new practices for developing its data centers amid rising opposition in communities across the United States. The commitments include discontinuing nondisclosure agreements, beginning community engagement earlier and moving more quickly, and addressing water and other natural-resource concerns.
The company has data center plans in northeast Oregon and at the Wallula Gap project in Washington, and is estimated to have 236 projects in various stages nationwide. The article acknowledges environmental and community concerns but also argues that data centers are essential to support the growing volume of online activity and digital services.