Former EPA Officials Warn AI Data Centers Could Cause 1,300 Deaths by 2028
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 10
Former EPA Officials Warn AI Data Centers Could Cause 1,300 Deaths by 2028
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 10
Summary
More than 800 former EPA employees said Thursday that pollution tied to AI data centers poses a growing public-health threat, citing a report due for release the same day.
The report says surging electricity demand is driving emissions from power plants, gas turbines and diesel generators used to support the facilities.
Academic modeling cited by the group projects roughly 600,000 asthma symptom cases, 1,300 premature deaths and more than $20 billion in annual health costs by 2028.
The former officials said 30 Trump administration actions weakening pollution safeguards and speeding approvals could push those health risks even higher as more centers open nationwide.
The warning broadens a bipartisan backlash against data centers that has already centered on jobs, noise, energy costs and water use.