We need to talk about data centers.

The massive AI boom is showing no signs of stopping, and these days, it feels like every company wants a piece of the pie. Whether they’re using it to strengthen extreme weather prediction capabilities, map deforestation and changes in icebergs, or improve waste management, they can’t do it without data centers.

And we’re already seeing the impacts.

Every AI-powered tool requires tons of computing power—and the data centers that provide it rely on massive amounts of water and electricity to operate. As a result, several communities are already navigating higher utility costs, pressure on their water supplies and power grids, and the threat of steep ecological and environmental impacts. If build-out continues in this fashion, even communities that aren’t feeling the strain now will start to feel it soon.

And unfortunately, the impacts don’t stop there.

You may have seen BloombergNEF’s latest report, which found that solar is on track to be the dominant power source by 2035. While this is great news, it’s dampened by the fact that data centers are actively keeping fossil fuels relevant—and in some cases, giving them a new lease on life.

Here’s what we mean.

Currently, natural gas and coal provide over 50% of the electricity that U.S. data centers use, and utilities continue to prioritize fossil fuels in their scramble to meet rapidly rising demand. PJM Interconnection has canceled or postponed 60% of its planned fossil fuel plant closures, utilities committed to 100% renewable energy have shifted their focus to natural gas, and whether through public statements or impact reporting, it’s become clear that data center growth is jeopardizing the climate commitments of utilities, states, and tech companies.

When you consider all of this, it’s no surprise that data center build-out is facing severe public backlash. But that opposition hasn’t stopped major companies from investing—and so long as they’re all in on AI, data centers aren’t going anywhere.

Which leads us to a few questions.

How can we make sure these facilities are developed as responsibly as possible? How can we prevent development costs from being passed on to ratepayers? And what can we do to ensure these projects actually benefit local communities?

We won’t pretend to have all the answers—but it’s clear that there is plenty of room for citizen advocates like us to help. We can push for greater transparency around data center impacts, pressure companies to power their facilities with clean energy, and advocate for local investment as a condition for development.

At the end of the day, AI can do an incredible amount of good for the climate movement. But that progress shouldn’t come at the expense of the clean energy transition and communities across the country.

Join us as we fight for responsible data center development!