Across the United States, communities are increasingly debating the potential impact of new artificial intelligence data centers, with companies promising jobs and economic growth. 

However, concerns over pollution, energy use, water consumption and other environmental effects have fueled opposition in several communities.

In Philadelphia, activist Shawmar Pitts is among those campaigning against proposed data center development. 

A lifelong resident of the Grays Ferry neighborhood, Pitts grew up near the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery, once the largest oil refinery on the U.S. East Coast. 

The refinery closed following an explosion in 2019. Pitts said his concerns about industrial pollution became personal after learning about the health problems associated with living near the facility.

Pitts, now managing co director of environmental justice organization Philly Thrive, is supporting calls for a data center moratorium in Philadelphia. 

Although no formal construction proposals have been submitted, city officials have identified potential sites in Northeast Philadelphia and Grays Ferry. 

Residents have raised concerns about pollution, noise, electricity demand and whether data centers would deliver the economic benefits being promised.

The debate reflects a wider national backlash against data center expansion, particularly in communities with a history of heavy industrial activity. 

BloombergNEF projects that U.S. data centers could consume about 18 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily by 2035, exceeding combined consumption in Germany and Japan. 

Several cities, including Denver, Indianapolis, Asheville, Charlotte and Reno, have approved temporary moratoriums to give officials more time to study the potential effects of data center development.

Source: TechCrunch