More than 160 groups urge Congress to keep AI data centers off federal lands
More than 160 environmental, health, consumer and religious organizations are urging Congress to prohibit AI data centers on federal lands and reject a proposed permitting overhaul. The coalition says such facilities could increase energy demand, require new grid and gas infrastructure, and worsen air and water pollution.
A coalition of more than 160 organizations, led by Food & Water Watch, sent Congress a letter supporting the No AI Data Centers on Federal Lands Act, introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. The groups also oppose the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, arguing that its permitting provisions could make it easier to build large AI data centers on federal property.
The coalition cited concerns about electricity demand, public costs, new grid and gas infrastructure, and pollution. GreenLatinos policy adviser Andrea Marpillero-Colomina said more than 24,000 acres of public land are being considered for data centers, while Food & Water Watch policy director Jim Walsh said developers are turning to federal lands amid growing local opposition.