Ashville Council hears presentation on health impacts of data centers

Dr. Michael Cork, CEO and founder of EmPower Analytics Group, virtually presented to the Village of Ashville's Committee of the Whole meeting on May 4. Cork's research focuses on the health impacts of data centers, particularly those using on-site power generation like gas turbines. He highlighted fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as a significant pollutant from these facilities, responsible for a large percentage of health impacts due to its ability to enter the lungs and bloodstream. Cork used a Vantage Data Center facility in Loudoun County, Virginia, as a case study, presenting a map showing estimated air pollution dispersion. He stated that this specific facility could be associated with 3 to 7 additional premature deaths annually, translating to an economic cost of $53 to $99 million per year. During the Q&A, Cork mentioned that the Vantage facility operates at approximately 250 megawatts "behind-the-meter" using turbines and generators, and has been running at about 50% capacity. He also referenced xAI's proposed 1.2 gigawatt "Colossus 2" data center near Memphis, Mississippi, as another project they've analyzed. Cork emphasized that understanding these environmental and health trade-offs, alongside economic benefits, empowers communities and decision-makers to ask better questions, evaluate alternatives, and negotiate stronger terms for data center developments. The goal of EmPower Analytics Group is to provide this critical health impact information to communities to aid in their decision-making processes.