Communities Take Charge: Launching the Data Center Policy Toolkit

Doors Open @ 12:00pmSpeaking Program Start @ 12:30pm We Build Progress, Public Citizen, Climate Justice Alliance and partners will convene state and local policymakers, advocates, organizers, and policy experts during NYC Climate Week to launch a new Data Center Policy Toolkit, an interactive resource designed to help communities respond to the rapid expansion of data centers across the country and equip policymakers with practical tools to address the harms of data center development. Driven in part by the growth of artificial intelligence, data centers are placing increasing demands on communities' power grids, water supplies, and other vital resources. Data centers currently account for approximately 4.4% of U.S. electricity consumption, with that share projected to rise to 12% by 2028. The rapid pace of development is mobilizing communities across the country, while policymakers are seeking practical tools to respond to this urgent policy challenge. The new toolkit meets this need with expert-informed, customizable legislative templates addressing issues including energy and water use, pollution and environmental impacts, permitting and zoning, subsidies, transparency and reporting, and approaches to development moratoriums, restrictions, and prohibitions. Its flexible approach is designed to help communities respond to data center harms based on local priorities, whether they are addressing proposed data center development or facilities already operating. The Climate Week event will feature a moderated discussion with policymakers, advocates, and organizers working on the front lines of data center development and regulation, followed by a networking reception. The discussion will feature the following experts: Katie Thomas, Director of Livable Futures, We Build Progress (Moderator) Melanie Sachs, District 102, Freeport, Maine House of Representatives Anna Kelles, District 125, Ithaca, New York State Assembly KD Minor, Community Solutions Manager, Alliance for Affordable Energy, Louisiana Mar Zepeda, Legislative Director, Climate Justice Alliance About The Data Center Policy Toolkit: The Data Center Policy Toolkit is an interactive, first-of-its-kind resource providing policymakers and engaged organizers with legislative templates to address data centers at the state and local level. Its customizable language is designed to help users develop policies across a range of data center issues, including energy and water use, pollution and environmental impacts, permitting and zoning, subsidies, transparency and reporting, and approaches to development moratoriums, restrictions, and prohibitions.