Here's the problem: AI models and crypto mining operations use vast amounts of computing power, and that means more electricity. Just one data center can use as much power as a small city.
But instead of accelerating renewable energy, many utilities are turning back to coal and gas to keep up, undermining climate goals and threatening air and water quality in our communities – all at the expense of our energy bills.
🏭 In the last two years alone, more than 200 supersized new data centers were built across 24 states, each consuming more electricity than the largest factories. There are more than 600 of these giant data centers being planned for operation in the next five years.
🔌 Collectively, AI and cloud compute data centers could demand around 100 gigawatts of electricity by 2030, roughly equivalent to powering 67 million homes.
🤔 Most Big Tech companies claim that they're aiming for a sustainable, renewable future, but in many cases, utilities are delaying coal plant retirements or constructing new gas plants just to meet data center demands.
Big Tech shouldn't be allowed to sacrifice our health, climate, and paychecks for unchecked expansion. That's why the Sierra Club is working to expose the impacts and support communities demanding transparency, guardrails, and clean, just futures.
We need public accountability and energy planning that prioritizes people and the planet, not unregulated tech growth. That means requiring that data centers pay for local, new clean energy to meet their needs, speak up to stop utilities from using their data centers as an excuse to keep fossil fuels online, demanding guardrails to protect our rates, and strengthening state energy planning laws to ensure climate targets are met, not reversed. | 
