Technology has outpaced our laws. We call upon our Connecticut lawmakers to help local governments and citizen groups pause AI Data Center development while Connecticut considers the impacts of this rapidly changing industry. 

Specifically, we ask Governor Lamont and CT lawmakers to repeal the data center tax incentives and enact a one-year moratorium on new or expanded data centers and to make these protections a top legislative priority when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.

This pause will give our elected officials time to hear from constituents and independent experts, properly study the issues, and determine what protections Connecticut communities need.

We are asking for your signature to help raise awareness, influence State of Connecticut lawmakers, and pause AI Data Center development. 

A 1-year moratorium will serve as a suspension, providing our community the necessary time to fully assess the environmental and economic implications of this development. It is a legal pause that gives us breathing space, a moment to weigh our options and make the most informed decision for our future.

All of the following need to be studied and critical questions answered:  

Electricity Demand and Infrastructure

Expected energy consumption of any proposed facility. Along with input from utility companies regarding electrical infrastructure requirements, grid capacity, reliability, and potential impacts on residential ratepayers.

Water Supply and Demand

In a state already on the verge of draught, it is critical to know the expected water consumption of any proposed facility. Input from utilities and other relevant agencies regarding available supply, infrastructure requirements, and potential impacts on residential ratepayers.

Public Health and Environmental Impacts:
Potential impacts related to air quality, water quality, noise, construction activity, emergency services, and overall community health.

Air: 

Data centers consume enormous amounts of energy, often relying on diesel or gas generators that emit harmful pollutants. Clean air is a precious resource that once tainted, cannot be easily reclaimed. 

Wastewater:

The waterways that provide so much to our community are also in danger of contamination from release of constant construction runoff and potential leaks of hazardous materials.

AI data center discharge often contains elevated total dissolved solids from evaporative concentration, corrosion inhibitors such as nitrite and molybdate, scale-prevention chemicals, thermal pollution from cooling systems, and trace heavy metals. The contaminants depend on the cooling technology and chemical treatment regime used at the facility.

It is critical to know the expected wastewater generation and discharge requirements.
Input from water treatment and system operators regarding available capacity, infrastructure needs, and potential impacts on residential ratepayers.

Sound: 
Noise Pollution: The constant hum of machinery and vehicles will disrupt our peace, provoking stress and discomfort not only for us but for our pets, and wild animals. Data centers produce constant low-frequency noise from cooling systems and generators that causes serious community health risks, including chronic sleep disturbance, headaches, nausea, vertigo, and permanent hearing loss. 
The State of Connecticut is at a critical juncture, as the construction of proposed data centers threaten to alter our quality of life in so many unsettling ways. 

For additional information see the links below: 

https://brockovichdatacenter.com/community-and-legislation.html​

https://brockovichdatacenter.com/facts-myths.html​

https://e360.yale.edu/features/artificial-intelligence-climate-energy-emissions