Connecticut Data Centers: UConn Professor Discusses Health and Environmental Concerns
A UConn professor discusses the health and environmental impacts of data centers in Connecticut, highlighting concerns over energy consumption, air pollution, water usage, and noise. Several Connecticut communities, including Groton, West Haven, and Morris, have enacted moratoriums on data center construction due to these issues. The article notes that data centers are often built in under-resourced communities, exacerbating existing disparities.
Dr. Shinsuke Tanaka, an assistant professor at UConn, has weighed in on the growing controversy surrounding data center construction in the U.S., particularly in Connecticut. Tanaka, an expert in health and environmental economics, highlights the significant environmental and human health costs associated with the proliferation of data centers, driven by the increasing use of artificial intelligence.
Connecticut began offering tax incentives for data center developers in 2021, leading to increased local opposition. Consequently, communities such as Groton, West Haven, and Morris have instituted moratoriums on new data center construction, with many others considering similar bans. Tanaka points to increased air pollution from fossil fuel-powered electricity generation for data centers as a major concern, noting that these impacts extend regionally. Data centers also contribute locally through backup diesel generators. Water usage is another serious issue, particularly in regions facing hotter, drier climates, threatening local supplies and potentially raising utility prices.
Tanaka also emphasizes that data centers are often built in under-resourced communities, which can exacerbate existing health disparities. Additionally, the constant noise pollution from data centers has been linked to health issues like depression and suicide, and can decrease property values. While acknowledging the economic benefits, Tanaka suggests that sustainable solutions, such as battery storage for backup power and increased reliance on renewable energy, are crucial for achieving both economic prosperity and environmental protection. The article concludes by stressing that the key is not just prohibiting data centers, but innovating how electricity is generated to power them.