Clouds on the Horizon: An Integrative Review of Data Centers and Local Governance in the United States
Corey Young · 2026-04-09
Rapid growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-based services has accelerated data center development, creating new pressures on electricity systems, water resources, land use, and local governance. Largely ignored by citizens and policymakers in the past, data centers are now highly visible, energy-intensive facilities whose siting and operation raise significant community and policy challenges.
Corey Young. 2026-04-09. Clouds on the Horizon: An Integrative Review of Data Centers and Local Governance in the United States. https://academic.oup.com/ooenergy/article/doi/10.1093/ooenergy/oiag006/8650454 (AI & Environment Resource Hub; record paper-506; collection snapshot 2026-09-15).
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Shared topics: Cross-cutting sustainability; Governance and society; Energy and electricity; Water; Land use, heat, and noise; Built environment and infrastructure
In the Environmental Impacts of Data Centers 101 course, you will learn to analyze the environmental impacts of data centers using a life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective that goes beyond what you see in the news. This will include energy, water, land use, carbon emissions, global supply chains, e-waste concerns, ecological impacts, and environmental justice case studies. Whether you work in tech, sustainability, policy, or are just curious about how AI systems operate behind the scenes, this course gives you the clarity and frameworks to understand these impacts from end-to-end.
Nathaniel Burola
Shared topics: Cross-cutting sustainability; Governance and society; Energy and electricity; Water; Built environment and infrastructure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform how water is managed. Yet, these emerging opportunities raise critical considerations around issues such as data governance, energy use, and the environmental footprint of digital infrastructure. To explore these challenges and opportunities, IWRA is launching a new webinar series: "The Promises and Challenges of AI, Data Centres & Freshwater Futures". Bringing together experts from around the world, the series examines the intersection of emerging technologies and water sustainability.
youtube.com
Shared topics: Cross-cutting sustainability; Governance and society; Energy and electricity; Water; Built environment and infrastructure
As companies race to build the next generation of AI, data centers have become the focus of heated debates over electricity demand, water use, and economic impact. But how much of what we're hearing is guesswork, and what still needs to be understood? Learn more in this webinar featuring experts from the Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania.
youtube.com
Shared topics: Cross-cutting sustainability; Governance and society; Energy and electricity; Water; Built environment and infrastructure
AI’s rapid growth is driving an unprecedented surge in energy and water demand, raising serious environmental justice concerns, especially in marginalized communities, while sparking debate over whether climate benefits can outweigh the harms without stronger accountability and sustainable innovation.
