The Economics and Environmental Impacts of Data Centers

Across the country, communities are experiencing a rapid expansion of data centers. While these projects are often framed as economic development, they come with significant environmental and economic consequences, from rising electricity demand and water consumption to tax incentives and local infrastructure impacts.

In this webinar, Ben Murray, an economist and Senior Researcher at Food & Water Watch, will explain the economic and environmental dynamics behind data center development. Drawing on his research into energy and water use, Ben will walk through what data centers are, why they require so much power and water, where those resources come from, and what the broader economic implications are for communities.

Ben will also discuss how communities are responding to data center proposals and what strategies can be used to challenge or stop projects that threaten local resources.