A coalition of more than 230 environmental groups has formally requested a national moratorium on the establishment of new data centers in the United States. This demand arises amid increasing concerns regarding the energy-intensive nature of these facilities, which are primarily driven by the burgeoning artificial intelligence industry. The groups, including notable organizations such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and Food & Water Watch, argue that the proliferation of data centers contributes to rising electricity bills, exacerbates climate change, and depletes water resources.

The letter sent to Congress highlights the unregulated expansion of data centers, which are seen as detrimental to economic, environmental, and water security across various communities. The groups are advocating for a pause on new data center approvals until appropriate regulations are established.

This movement coincides with growing opposition to major tech companies like Meta, Google, and OpenAI, which are investing heavily in data centers to support the substantial computing demands of AI technologies. At least 16 data center projects, valued at approximately $64 billion, have faced delays or cancellations due to local resistance linked to rising electricity costs and water usage concerns, particularly in arid regions.

The issue has gained political traction, influencing recent electoral outcomes for Democrats in states such as Virginia and New Jersey, where candidates campaigned on reducing energy costs and limiting data center expansion. This situation presents a challenge for former President Donald Trump, who has promoted AI growth while also claiming to prioritize affordability in energy costs. Despite these claims, household electricity prices have risen by 13% during his administration, leading to public discontent.

Currently, around 80 million Americans are struggling to manage their electricity and gas bills, with many attributing these financial burdens to the rise of data centers. Charles Hua, the founder of PowerLines, a nonpartisan organization focused on reducing power costs, noted that the issue of rising utility bills has become a significant concern across political lines.

The increasing demand for electricity, driven in part by the expansion of data centers, is projected to nearly triple over the next decade, potentially adding 44 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. This increase is comparable to the emissions produced by an additional 10 million vehicles, further complicating the existing climate crisis.

While the environmental implications are critical, the immediate concern for many voters remains the rising costs of living, including energy expenses. Emily Wurth, managing director at Food & Water Watch, emphasized the widespread bipartisan opposition to data centers, noting that many individuals do not perceive tangible benefits from AI advancements and feel that they are bearing the financial burden through increased energy bills.