1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

Stop Data Center Polution A top priority of the Trump administration is making our nation the “AI Capital of the World.” But the data centers needed to support artificial intelligence (AI) require enormous amounts of energy and, if powered by fossil fuels, can release significant harmful pollution, including cancer-causing benzene and formaldehyde. As a parent concerned about air pollution and climate change, I’m writing to urge you to commit to building a future that includes safe, healthy, and sustainable AI infrastructure. Air pollution associated with AI is expected to result in as many as 1,300 premature deaths per year by 2030. Methane gas turbines and diesel generators being used to power AI data centers emit hazardous chemicals, including the known carcinogens benzene and formaldehyde, and worsen ground-level ozone. Particulate matter from fossil-fuel data center power sources can increase the risk of heart attacks, respiratory infections, asthma attacks, or death. Plus, increased fossil fuel energy demand for AI increases planet-warming greenhouse gases, which in turn exacerbates extreme weather, including heat, flooding, and wildfires. Extreme weather has wide-ranging established health impacts, from asthma to cardiovascular disease to death. Despite recent growth in renewable energy technology, two-thirds of the additional electricity needed to power AI data centers is projected to come from fossil fuels—unless strong clean renewable energy requirements are put in place. On top of the environmental costs, data center’s massive energy demands are driving costly grid expansions and higher electricity bills for families. We should not bear the costs of data center development. We need legislation that ensures new data centers in our communities are powered by clean renewable energy to the maximum extent possible, are subject to strong clean air protections, and are fully paid for by the tech industry. These safeguards are essential to protect our families’ health and future. A Constituent Disgusted With The Way Republicans Are Throwing Away Democracy, And Returning The Country Back To An Age Of Racism & Poverty Of The Dark Ages.