AI data centers, the backbone of the artificial intelligence boom, are increasingly facing local resistance, mirroring the challenges once encountered by Bitcoin mining operations. This opposition stems from concerns about environmental impact, resource consumption, and community disruption. As AI development accelerates, the demand for these data centers is surging, leading to a rapid expansion that is putting a strain on local resources and sparking community backlash.
Fueled by investments from tech giants like Amazon, Meta, Google, and Microsoft, the number of data centers in the U.S. has doubled between 2018 and 2021, and then doubled again by 2025. This rapid growth is placing enormous strain on local and regional resources, with many host communities unprepared to meet the demands. In 2023, U.S. data centers consumed 176 terawatt-hours of electricity, roughly equivalent to the entire nation of Ireland's consumption. Projections estimate that this could double or even triple by 2028. By 2030, data centers' global electricity consumption could more than double from 2024 levels, reaching 945 terawatt-hours, which is equivalent to Japan's current electricity demand.
The environmental impact of AI data centers extends beyond electricity consumption. Data centers require vast amounts of water for cooling, potentially leading to water scarcity in already vulnerable regions. A mid-sized data center can consume as much water as a small town, while larger ones may require up to 5 million gallons daily, comparable to a city of 50,000 people. In 2023, data centers in the U.S. directly consumed approximately 66 billion liters of water.
Adding to the environmental concerns, data centers often rely on fossil fuel-based power plants and backup diesel generators, contributing to air pollution and public health issues. Diesel generators can release significantly more nitrous oxides than natural gas plants, causing respiratory problems and other health issues. The noise pollution from cooling systems and generators also disrupts nearby communities, leading to stress, sleep disturbance, and increased cardiovascular risks. Noise levels inside a data center can reach 96 dBA, potentially causing hearing damage with prolonged exposure.
These environmental and social costs are triggering increasing resistance from local communities. Residents are voicing concerns about rising electricity costs, water consumption, noise, loss of farmland, and air quality. Some communities have successfully blocked or delayed data center projects. Between April and June of 2025, $98 billion worth of projects were blocked or delayed across eleven states. A coalition of over 230 environmental organizations has called for a national moratorium on new data centers, highlighting the growing backlash against the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.
To mitigate the negative impacts and foster sustainable expansion, several strategies are being explored. These include smart siting, faster grid decarbonization, and operational efficiency. Facility administrators can minimize noise pollution by switching to natural gas generators for backup power, upgrading cooling systems, optimizing server rack layouts, and using thicker materials to insulate server rooms. Integrated land use planning with sustainable water and energy practices is crucial for balancing the benefits of AI with the needs of local communities. Governments are urged to manage power and water use efficiently to protect electricity affordability, maintain system reliability, and attract investment.
