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Staff Publications

Data Center Impacts on the Environment, Public Health, and Energy Costs

Subject:
Business & Economic Development
Energy
Public Health
Water
Published:
March 9, 2026
Publishing Agency:
Legislative Council Staff

Data centers are growing rapidly across the United States. They require large amounts of electricity for computational power and water to cool the computer systems. This memorandum explores the impacts of data centers on technology, local economies, electricity, water, public health, and energy costs. It also covers recent federal and state legislation.