AOC Confronted EPA Over Murky Water, Now Americans Are Turning Against Data Centers
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questioned EPA Administrator Radhika Fox about water quality issues near Meta's data center in Morgan County, Georgia, where residents reported discolored water and reduced pressure. The EPA committed to investigating the complaints, highlighting growing concerns over the environmental impact of data centers.
During a congressional hearing, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez confronted EPA Administrator Radhika Fox about severe water quality and availability issues in Morgan County, Georgia, allegedly caused by the construction of a massive Meta data center campus. Ocasio-Cortez presented jars of discolored water from residents' taps, stating that families were experiencing decreased water pressure, appliance damage, and increased water bills, forcing them to rely on bottled water.
Administrator Fox initially stated she was not aware of specific water quality complaints related to data center construction but affirmed the EPA's commitment to ensuring drinking water safety. Following Ocasio-Cortez's detailed account, Fox pledged to investigate the matter upon returning to her office, emphasizing the priority of meeting EPA water quality standards regardless of construction type. Ocasio-Cortez also questioned the administration's fast-tracking of data center construction and the lack of mandates for pre-construction water quality testing, calling for congressional investigations into the issue.
The discussion took place amid broader public concern over the environmental costs of the AI data center boom, with a recent Gallup survey indicating that 71% of Americans oppose data center construction in their local communities, reflecting growing opposition to these developments.