MAHA warns Trump against coal-powered AI data centers
Prominent figures in the Make America Healthy Again movement are telling President Trump that "data centers should not become the justification for burning more coal." Why it matters: The appeal, in a joint letter , collides with Trump officials' support for coal to help power AI. It cites coal's public health and environmental toll due to soot pollution, mercury, and byproducts called "coal ash"…
A group of prominent figures in the Make America Healthy Again movement have warned President Trump against using coal-powered AI data centers. In a joint letter, these figures express concern over the health and environmental impacts of coal, including soot pollution, mercury, coal ash with heavy metals, and overall toxins that affect community health.
The letter urges the administration to work with MAHA leaders, farmers, physicians, and others to create "health-first standards" for AI infrastructure. It also suggests alternative energy sources like solar paired with energy storage, advanced geothermal, and improved energy efficiency. Signatories include Zen Honeycutt from Moms Across America, Charles Eisenstein, Aimee Villella McBride, and David Murphy.
The administration's support for coal to power AI data centers has increased, with an executive order highlighting coal as critical to meeting rising power demand. The letter arrives as data centers face growing backlash, and both parties consider restrictions on the industry. The letter emphasizes the importance of avoiding further contamination through mercury, soot, heavy metals, and water pollution.
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