Impact Type: AI-Specific Risk Analysis

Compute and Consequence: AI Energy Demand in a Rapidly Evolving Grid Landscape — As You Sow

Utilities fast-track new gas infrastructure to meet projected AI-driven electricity demand, but the gap between forecasts and actual load growth remains wide. As You Sow examines how speculative projections risk locking in fossil fuel capacity, raising consumer rates and stalling grid decarbonization. Maps a framework connecting investors, technology companies and utilities to clean energy procurement…

AI-Specific Risk Analysis, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts
AI Security and Innovation Act (H.B.9363, US)

Includes a direction to NIST to develop AI security standards, including security relating to data centers.

AI-Specific Risk Analysis
AI Bubble Transparency Act (S.4743, US)

Directs the Office of Financial Research to collect data relating to the financing of artificial intelligence development, including data centers, provide that data to Congress, and issue recommendations to financial regulatory agencies and Congress to mitigate financial stability risk.

AI-Specific Risk Analysis, Economic Impacts
Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act (H.R.9442, US)

Prohibits construction of data centers suitable for AI development and scaled deployment until laws are enacted that ensure: Federal safety reviews for new AI products; economic gains benefit workers; new data centers do not increase electricity bills, harm the environment, are approved by local community, are not subsidized, and created union jobs. Directs Sec. of…

AI-Specific Risk Analysis, Community & Social Impacts, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Human Rights & Labor Exploitation, Public Health Impacts
FracTracker – Data Center Map (ArcGIS)

The ArcGIS map from FracTracker visualizes data centers across the U.S., highlighting their connection to AI, cloud computing, and cryptocurrency. It provides details on permitting status, fuel sources, and proximity to vulnerable communities, serving as a tool for researchers and local groups to monitor data center expansion and related regulatory issues.

AI-Specific Risk Analysis, Community & Social Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Environmental Justice, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts
NAACP Resolution: Data Centers Impact on Energy Demand

NAACP resolution addresses data center energy burdens across six states, xAI's 35 unpermitted gas turbines in Memphis, and AI queries consuming four to five times more energy than standard searches.

AI-Specific Risk Analysis, Community & Social Impacts, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts, Public Health Impacts
Citizen Action Coalition in Indiana AI Data Center build out briefing page.

The Citizens Action Coalition provides a case study on organizing against the rapid expansion of energy-intensive AI data centers by tech giants, highlighting their negative impact on decarbonization and ratepayer costs. Key arguments include the low job creation rate of data centers, the need for protective policies like exit fees and minimum bills, and environmental…

AI-Specific Risk Analysis, Community & Social Impacts, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Environmental Justice, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts, Public Health Impacts
The People Say No. Resisting Data Center Toolkit

A toolkit aimed at empowering communities against the expansion of data centers, highlighting the environmental and social harms caused by Big Tech's projects. It provides resources to combat misinformation and supports local resistance efforts, emphasizing the importance of fighting for community rights over corporate interests.

AI-Specific Risk Analysis, Community & Social Impacts, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Environmental Justice, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts, Public Health Impacts
AI Threats to Climate Change

Artificial intelligence poses significant threats to climate change by increasing energy and water consumption and amplifying climate misinformation. AI systems require vast resources, with energy use projected to double, potentially consuming as much as Japan's energy needs. Additionally, AI facilitates the rapid spread of disinformation, enabling climate denial campaigns to flourish. Urgent regulation is needed…

AI-Specific Risk Analysis
Enabled Emissions Campaign

AI, IoT and cloud computing boost fossil fuel yields by up to 15 percent, yet tech companies exclude these "enabled emissions" from carbon reports. Former Microsoft sustainability leaders Holly and Will Alpine document how Big Tech contracts with oil companies accelerate extraction — two Exxon deals alone enable 300 percent of Microsoft's annual carbon footprint.

AI-Specific Risk Analysis, Environmental Impacts