The AI data center boom is colliding with cities scarred by big industry

The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure is facing growing resistance from residents in historically industrialized neighborhoods, such as Philadelphia's Grays Ferry, who fear that proposed data centers will exacerbate local pollution, strain energy grids, and deplete water resources without delivering promised jobs. In response to environmental justice advocacy and concerns over backup diesel emissions and massive fossil fuel consumption, multiple U.S. cities and states have enacted moratoriums to halt construction and study the impacts.

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