How officials across the U.S. are responding to data center concerns
Detroit City Council is considering a two-year data center moratorium due to environmental and utility cost concerns, while officials in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are introducing new standards for data center development. In Georgia, a Meta data center is linked to water quality issues. The article highlights a growing nationwide backlash against data centers.
A two-year data center moratorium has been proposed by Detroit City Council member Scott Benson, citing concerns about environmental impacts and rising utility costs. The resolution, currently under consideration by the Detroit City Council, urges the Mayor not to issue any new permits until a comprehensive policy for data center development is established. A University of Virginia report suggests that 35 of the nation's 2,700 data centers are located in Michigan, with 20% in the Great Lakes region.
The report by Jo Ling Kent investigates how other U.S. cities are addressing the rapid expansion of data centers, which are facing a growing national backlash due to their sprawling footprint, environmental concerns, and strain on power grids. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill introduced a plan requiring data centers to "pay their own way" by contracting directly with power generators and funding their own grid upgrades. Similarly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced new statewide standards.
Meanwhile, New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez highlighted water quality issues in Morgan County, Georgia, following the construction of a Meta data center. Meta, however, states that an independent study found no impact from its operations on residents. The mounting pressure comes as 78% of Americans express concern that new data centers will increase their energy bills. Chris Borick of Muhlenberg College notes that the issue of data centers has united Democrats and Republicans, making it a rare national concern. Estimates predict that data centers could consume 12% of all U.S. electricity by 2028.