Conservation group calls for moratorium on AI data centers on US public lands

The Wilderness Society, a conservation group, has urged for a temporary halt on the construction of artificial intelligence data centers on US public lands. This plea is rooted in concerns over the significant usage of water resources and increased electricity demand that such facilities pose.

Moreover, the group warns that these data centers could potentially disrupt wildlife habitats and reduce public access to these lands. This call for a moratorium comes at a time when the Trump administration is contemplating granting permits for several data center projects on lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The Trump administration has consistently advocated for the expansion of various industries on public lands, including mining and oil and gas sectors. President Donald Trump himself has posited that AI infrastructure and data centers are vital for boosting economic growth and maintaining technological competitiveness. However, this industry is increasingly facing local resistance.

The Wilderness Society maintains that public lands should primarily be dedicated to activities such as recreation, conservation, and ensuring public access. The group advocates for a temporary pause before granting approval for large-scale industrial development related to AI on federally managed lands.

BLM officials, however, have not yet responded to a request for a comment. The BLM manages approximately one-tenth of America's land base, predominantly located in Western states.