More than 200 environmental groups demand halt to new US datacenters (www.theguardian.com)

A coalition of over 230 environmental groups is calling for a national moratorium on new datacenters in the U.S., citing their significant contribution to climate change and rising electricity costs. Organizations such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth argue that the rapid, unregulated growth of datacenters, primarily driven by the demands of the AI industry, is exacerbating planet-heating emissions, depleting local water supplies, and straining already burdensome energy bills for consumers. The coalition demands that the construction of new facilities be paused until regulations addressing these issues are implemented. This mounting opposition reflects a broader political awakening among American voters, many of whom are concerned about affordability and climate impacts. In recent elections, discussions around rising utility costs as a result of datacenter proliferation have influenced outcomes, including surprising wins for Democrats in Virginia, New Jersey, and a pivotal special election in Georgia. Although power shortages and aging infrastructure contribute to rising energy prices, the explosive growth of datacenters is under scrutiny for potentially increasing electricity consumption dramatically over the next decade, with projections indicating that their energy needs alone could surge to levels equivalent to powering 190 million homes. As voters become increasingly wary of the economic implications, the issue presents both a challenge and an opportunity for environmental advocates aiming to reshape the conversation around climate policy and energy regulation.