WASHINGTON — A coalition of more than 200 environmental, consumer, and advocacy organizations is urging Congress to halt the approval and construction of new data centers nationwide, citing concerns over energy use, water consumption, rising electricity costs, and climate impacts.
In a letter sent to members of Congress on Dec. 8, the groups called for a national moratorium on new data centers until stronger regulations are put in place. The organizations argue that the rapid expansion of data centers—driven largely by generative artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency growth—poses “one of the biggest environmental and social threats of our generation.”
According to the letter, a projected tripling of data centers over the next five years could result in electricity consumption equivalent to that of approximately 30 million households. The coalition also warned that the facilities’ cooling needs could require as much water as is used by 18.5 million households, placing added strain on already stressed water systems.
The groups further pointed to climate concerns, noting that an estimated 56 percent of the electricity used by data centers currently comes from fossil fuels. They also linked the rapid build-out to rising electricity prices, citing a 21.3 percent increase in rates between 2021 and 2024—outpacing inflation and, they say, largely driven by growing demand from data centers.
Beyond environmental impacts, the letter raised concerns about economic and social effects. It cited industry statements suggesting artificial intelligence could eliminate up to half of entry-level white-collar jobs within five years, potentially increasing unemployment and contributing to economic instability.
“The rapid, largely unregulated rise of data centers to fuel the AI and crypto frenzy is disrupting communities across the country and threatening Americans’ economic, environmental, climate and water security,” the letter states.
The coalition is led by Food & Water Watch and includes national organizations such as Greenpeace USA, Friends of the Earth U.S., the Ohio Environmental Council, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and dozens of regional and state-based groups from all 50 states. The organizations say they are not opposed to technology outright but want lawmakers to pause new projects until regulations can adequately protect communities, public health, and natural resources.
Congress has not yet formally responded to the request, but the call for a moratorium comes as local governments across the country—particularly in states like Ohio—grapple with community opposition to large-scale data center developments.
