Health Policy Researcher Examines Data Center Regulations and Impacts
Emma Uridge of the Kansas Health Institute discusses a new report analyzing state and local laws concerning data center development and their potential environmental and public health impacts. She highlights policy tools like moratoria, zoning amendments, and performance standards, and the challenges local governments face in regulating data centers. The conversation also touches on federal involvement, specifically the EPA's monitoring of chemicals, and the public health impacts related to water and electricity use.
Emma Uridge, an analyst with the Kansas Health Institute, recently released a report dissecting state and local laws governing data center development, with a focus on their potential environmental and public health consequences. In an interview, Uridge explained that moratoria are crucial for local governments, especially in unzoned rural areas, to research impacts and negotiate community benefit agreements before a data center is approved. She cited an example in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where an agreement capped municipal water use, mandated 100% clean energy, and included financial penalties for non-compliance, alongside a $20 million commitment to local economic development.
Uridge also noted other policy solutions, such as amending existing zoning laws, implementing performance standards, requiring on-site renewable energy (as explored in Jefferson County, Missouri), enforcing setback requirements, and establishing mandatory noise buffers. She expressed concern that local governments often rely on developers for technical information due to a lack of independent advisory groups, making it difficult to balance community pushback with accurate, evidence-based decision-making.
Regarding federal involvement, Uridge observed minimal policy movement beyond an initial drive for AI expansion, although the EPA is examining chemicals used in data center cooling under the Toxic Substances and Control Act. She advocated for increased federal monitoring and regulation, particularly concerning environmental impacts like water use relative to availability during droughts and air quality issues from diesel generators. Uridge emphasized the need for corporate disclosure and deeper exploration of energy poverty and security issues, given the strain new data centers place on an aging electric grid.