ClimateVoice News · October 26, 2026
The rapid and unchecked expansion of data centers has ushered in an era of profound dilemma. It is all anyone seems to be talking about – and for good reason. Electricity demand for data centers is projected to at least double in the next four years, and where and how that power is generated will inevitably impact all of us for decades to come. Projected to release at least 24 million additional metric tons of greenhouse gases annually and drain hundreds of million cubic meters of water, communities are rightly angry about surging electricity demand, unsustainable water consumption, rising utility bills, as well as local noise and air pollution.
Accelerated buildout is purported to drive ‘technological advancement,’ but also careens us faster towards catastrophic climate-related tipping points. Carbon emissions are at a record high, outdated energy grids are strained, communities are being pummeled with even more toxic pollution and hazardous waste, and our increasingly scarce water supplies are being depleted. And to what end? Even while we are being promised more jobs and economic opportunities, these promises ring increasingly hollow as layoffs are on the rise and more and more jobs are being lost to AI.
It begs the question: Who does this rapid buildout serve? And what can be done?
At ClimateVoice, we believe it is time for a ‘Pause, Plan and Bring Your Own Clean Energy’ policy approach, where policymakers, business leaders, and community members pause buildout and plan for a more sustainable future: a future that serves human communities and nature first, prioritizing communities, employees, and our shared environment.
Over 530 local moratoriums have passed that restrict or block new data center construction, the overwhelming majority of which were enacted this year. This growing number, paired with a growing number of statewide pauses present urgent opportunities amidst the mounting concerns. A pause allows us to chart a path forward that is nature-positive, equitable, and transparent. It gives us the opportunity to urge decision-makers to take a principled stand that protects employees and communities, while also prioritizing long-term climate and environmental stability.
ClimateVoice was founded with a focus on urging companies to use their voice – and influence – to shape policy outcomes that support the clean energy transition and mitigate existential climate risks. Today, the stakes are infinitely higher than at our founding six years ago. The concerns over the buildout of data centers span far more than being a narrow ‘climate’ issue. AI is not only enabling emissions at rapid scale, an accomplice to fossil fuel companies in extracting more carbon-based energy, faster. It is also threatening democracy, propagating harmful misinformation, creating the conditions for mass surveillance, accelerating income disparity, and replacing jobs.
We recognize that many in our networks work at tech companies driving this buildout. Many of you are working on the inside to advocate for more sustainable, efficient, regenerative, and clean energy powered data centers. And we hear your frustration when your company has instead chosen to build out projects with new fossil fuel infrastructure, facing blowback from local communities with a growing list of grievances.
Our goal is to support employees in taking a principled stand against unchecked expansion. Pausing to plan will allow states and localities to address the growing number of issues including energy sourcing and mix, who is footing the bill, how to protect ratepayers, what community agreements need to be in place, and how to mitigate and avoid the massive harms underway.
We acknowledge that there is no simple answer to address data center buildout. And yet, we stand by certain principles to guide the way. Robust environmental standards should be a top priority – addressing community, environmental, and public health impacts. Transparency, centering community rights and democratic processes, prioritizing clean energy, and adopting strong environmental safeguards should be top priorities in the months ahead.
Read the Policy Brief→