Big Tech is pouring billions of dollars into a massive expansion of data centers to fuel artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency mining, cloud computing, and other technologies. Communities are being asked to accept the consequences before the full costs are even understood.

Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water while increasing pressure on the electric grid, contributing to higher utility costs, producing around-the-clock noise, adding pollution -- all while Big Tech corporations demand public subsidies. In less than 4 years, data centers are projected to consume 12% of all U.S. electricity, roughly as much as all other industries combined.

Working families should not be forced to subsidize an industry dominated by some of the richest corporations on Earth while communities are left with higher bills and strained resources. No neighborhood should become a sacrifice zone for Big Tech's expansion.

Pennsylvania lawmakers have already introduced Senate Bill 1359, which would establish a 3-year statewide moratorium on the development and permitting of new hyperscale data centers. That is an important first step. The General Assembly should pass the bill now and give the Commonwealth time to fully evaluate the environmental and economic impacts on our communities.

New York has also begun to act. Governor Kathy Hochul ordered a 1-year moratorium on the largest data centers while the state examines their energy impacts. The legislature should build on that action by extending the moratorium to at least 3 years, and Governor Hochul should sign that stronger protection into law.

Every state should give communities the same power to determine what happens next. Corporate developers should not be allowed to rush projects through before residents understand what they could mean for their water, electricity bills, health, environment, and local economy.

Send a letter to your governor and legislators in both chambers demanding a 3-year statewide moratorium on all new hyperscale data center development and permitting.