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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;…
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Data Center Resistance Video Series
A curated video playlist by Protect PT reviews the environmental impact of the data center boom, linking it to fracking and fossil fuel extraction. It highlights the significant resource demands of data centers, including water consumption and energy requirements, and discusses the hidden costs to communities, such as rising electric bills and public health issues,…
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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.
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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.
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Data Center Watch – Media Coverage
Press coverage from the Wall Street Journal, BBC, Bloomberg and over twenty other outlets documents rural resistance, water concerns and $64 billion in stalled data center projects nationwide. Data Center Watch aggregates and organizes the coverage, spanning stories from North Carolina land disputes to Georgia water permit battles.
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Data Center Toxins Infographic by Move Past Plastic
Up to 80 percent of a data center's cooling water evaporates, carrying PFAS refrigerants, ethylene glycol, and biocides airborne while blowdown concentrates heavy metals into local waterways.
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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…
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2024 United States Data Center Energy Usage Report
Data centers are becoming a major electricity consumer in the U.S., projected to use up to 580 TWh by 2028, significantly impacting local grids and water resources. Their water consumption has increased dramatically, with potential competition for municipal water supplies. Indirect water use from electricity generation adds to environmental burdens, while greenhouse gas emissions from…
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Data Centers: A Threat to Minnesota’s Water Fact Sheet
Data centers in Minnesota consume millions of gallons of water annually for cooling, impacting water scarcity and quality. They should be taxed fairly, report water usage, adopt eco-friendly cooling methods, and construct onsite carbon-free power facilities. The use of chemicals in cooling systems poses additional risks, as they can contaminate water supplies. Minnesotans should not…
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EPA Clean Air Act Resources for Data Centers
The EPA provides resources for data centers to navigate Clean Air Act regulations, facilitating quicker construction and compliance. The initiative aims to support AI infrastructure development while reducing costs and maintaining grid reliability. Key features include guidance on air quality permitting, modeling tools, and regulatory updates to streamline processes for developers and local communities.
Exposing AI Data Center Threats and Harms
Impact Type: Public Health Impacts
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Data Center Toxins Infographic by Move Past Plastic
Up to 80 percent of a data center's cooling water evaporates, carrying PFAS refrigerants, ethylene glycol, and biocides airborne while blowdown concentrates heavy metals into local waterways.