The AI data center boom is colliding with cities scarred by big industry
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Several U.S. cities are opposing the construction of AI data centers due to environmental and energy concerns.
In Philadelphia, activists and residents have mounted strong opposition, particularly in the Grays Ferry neighborhood already damaged by a large oil refinery that closed in 2019. According to projections, U.S. data centers will consume more natural gas than Germany and Japan combined by 2035, and will generate an extra 1 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions daily. Several cities including Denver, Indianapolis, and Charlotte have already implemented moratoriums on data center construction to assess environmental impacts.
These data centers can only be built, should only be built in places that want them.
Vibekollen prepared this summary with AI from the original publication. The content belongs to TechCrunch AI.
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