Impact Type: Environmental Justice

Localized Air Pollution Impacts from Data Centers in Northern Virginia

In Northern Virginia, collective emissions from more than 100 data center backup generators rival output from the region's largest power plants. VCU researchers map CO, NOx and PM 2.5 at the census-block level, finding pollution concentrations correlate with lower income and education levels. Permitted totals would far exceed any other regional source.

Community & Social Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Environmental Justice, Public Health Impacts
Utilities for All: The People’s Playbook to Ending Debt & Shutoffs

This playbook synthesizes lessons from 16 organizers and activists fighting for affordable, reliable energy and water. Covers tactics for banning utility shutoffs, eliminating consumer debt and building campaigns for local democratic control of utility systems. Funded by the Union for Concerned Scientists.

Community & Social Impacts, Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Environmental Justice, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts
The People’s Justice Council

The People's Justice Council is a faith-based environmental justice organization that combines theological perspectives with organizing and policy advocacy. Their Minus AI campaign addresses the negative impacts of unchecked AI and data center expansion on Southern and frontline communities, providing resources and action steps for congregations and allies to promote climate justice.

AI-Specific Risk Analysis, Community & Social Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Environmental Justice, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts
From Plantations to Petrochemicals

Rev. Michael Malcolm discusses how current petrochemical and data center developments are situated on lands that were once plantations, perpetuating extraction and environmental racism in Black communities. He advocates for faith leaders to engage in justice work and highlights the importance of community care, coalition-building, and mutual aid as vital responses to the expansion of…

Community & Social Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Environmental Justice, Public Health Impacts
Data Center Tax Abatements: Why States and Localities Must Disclose These Soaring Revenue Losses

Fourteen states and scores of localities fail to disclose data center tax abatement revenue losses, violating accounting standards in effect since 2017. Georgia, Virginia and Texas each lose more than $1 billion per year. Good Jobs First documents the disclosure gaps and recommends back-reporting and adopting Nevada's local-share reporting model.

Economic Impacts, Environmental Justice
More Domestic Chip-Making Means More ‘Forever Chemicals’

Each modern chip fab requires 200 to 300 metric tons of PFA fluoropolymers — persistent "forever chemicals" linked to cancers and groundwater contamination. Chemours, the only U.S. manufacturer, plans up to $1 billion in expansion as the CHIPS Act's $52 billion reshoring push drives demand, colliding with regulatory efforts to restrict PFAS.

Economic Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Environmental Justice, Public Health Impacts
An Act … in computer data center equipment incentive program, providing for certification prohibition; providing for Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development certification and standards; and imposing duties. (HB2650 / SB1384, PA)

Ends an existing tax break for data centers. Establishes certification process for data centers to demonstrate compliance with responsible infrastructure development (GRID) standards. These include: using increasing minimums of clean energy up to 32% in 2035 (or paying a hefty alternative compliance payment to Pennsylvania Economic Development Association); covering all electric utility costs; solar-ready facility;…

Community & Social Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Environmental Justice, Grid & Infrastructure Impacts, Public Health Impacts
EPA Prioritizes Data Center Forever Chemicals Review

The EPA is expediting the review of new chemicals, particularly PFAS-based cooling gases used in data centers, while prioritizing rapid AI and data center construction. Public health advocates warn this approach may replicate past regulatory failures, exposing workers and communities to untested toxic chemicals and undermining chemical safety in favor of fossil-fuel infrastructure expansion.

Community & Social Impacts, Environmental Impacts, Environmental Justice, 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
MediaJustice – YouTube Channel

MediaJustice produces videos and webinars breaking down Big Tech infrastructure — what data centers physically are, how they affect local communities and why expansion keeps accelerating. Episodes document grassroots campaigns against displacement and resource extraction while framing AI, surveillance and data center growth as civil rights issues.

Community & Social Impacts, Environmental Justice