Communities Living Near Data Centers Fear Devastating Consequences of Heat Wave Pollution
As the region braces for the extreme heat, concerns are growing about the potential impact on the grid's ability to meet the surging demand. The rapid expansion of data centers in Virginia has been a major contributor to the increased energy demand, with many of these facilities relying on massive amounts of power to operate.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, data centers in the US consumed about 70 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2020, accounting for approximately 1.8% of the country's total electricity usage. This number is expected to continue rising as more data centers are built to meet the growing demand for cloud computing and data storage.
The use of backup diesel generators by data centers has raised concerns among environmental groups, who argue that these generators release harmful pollutants into the air and contribute to climate change. The EPA has categorized some of these emissions as "possible human carcinogens," highlighting the need for stricter regulations on their use.
In response to these concerns, some data centers are exploring alternative backup power sources, such as natural gas or renewable energy. However, these alternatives are not yet widely available, and many data centers are still reliant on diesel generators to ensure continuous operation.
As the heat wave intensifies, grid operators and data center managers will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the grid can meet the surging demand. If necessary, PJM may direct data centers to activate their backup generators to reduce strain on the grid and prevent blackouts. The situation highlights the complex interplay between energy demand, climate change, and grid resilience, and the need for innovative solutions to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply.
The combination of rising temperatures, increased demand from data centers, and a regulatory system struggling to keep pace with surging electricity use has created a challenging situation, according to Silverman. Projections for data center loads indicate a significant increase in the future, further exacerbating the issue.
PJM spokesperson Daniel Lockwood attributed the high demand estimates to the hot temperatures, but expressed confidence in the grid operator's ability to cover demand. Meanwhile, Wright emphasized the importance of ensuring continued access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy for Americans in the Mid-Atlantic region.
However, communities are increasingly concerned about the impact of data centers on their health and environment. In Virginia, many data centers are located near residential areas and schools, with state auditors reporting that one-third of these facilities are within 500 feet of such areas.
Elena Schlossberg, who runs a grassroots organization opposing data centers in Prince William County, expressed frustration about the potential health risks associated with diesel generators. "Nothing says life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness like breathing in diesel fumes," she said, highlighting the concerns of local residents.
Schlossberg argued that it is unfair for neighborhoods to bear the health costs of Virginia's data center boom, saying "Either way, we are screwed. Either our lights go out or we get to breathe in this pollution." The use of diesel generators by data centers during past heat waves has raised concerns among residents, who have reported seeing dark gray plumes of smoke emanating from these facilities.
Last June, two data centers near Ashburn used diesel generators as temperatures rose, prompting concerns among local residents. The incident occurred after PJM had activated a demand-response program, but was later attributed to a fire at a nearby substation.
The Sierra Club of Virginia's Ann Bennett, who oversees data center issues, reported that residents are already expressing concerns about the potential use of diesel generators during the current heat wave. Bennett has tracked DEQ permits for diesel generators and found that the agency allowed 3,790 additional units in 2025, further increasing concerns about air pollution.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, data centers in the US consumed about 70 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2020, accounting for approximately 1.8% of the country's total electricity usage. This number is expected to continue rising as more data centers are built to meet the growing demand for cloud computing and data storage.
The use of backup diesel generators by data centers has raised concerns among environmental groups, who argue that these generators release harmful pollutants into the air and contribute to climate change. The EPA has categorized some of these emissions as "possible human carcinogens," highlighting the need for stricter regulations on their use.
In response to these concerns, some data centers are exploring alternative backup power sources, such as natural gas or renewable energy. However, these alternatives are not yet widely available, and many data centers are still reliant on diesel generators to ensure continuous operation.
As the heat wave intensifies, grid operators and data center managers will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the grid can meet the surging demand. If necessary, PJM may direct data centers to activate their backup generators to reduce strain on the grid and prevent blackouts. The situation highlights the complex interplay between energy demand, climate change, and grid resilience, and the need for innovative solutions to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply.
The combination of rising temperatures, increased demand from data centers, and a regulatory system struggling to keep pace with surging electricity use has created a challenging situation, according to Silverman. Projections for data center loads indicate a significant increase in the future, further exacerbating the issue.
PJM spokesperson Daniel Lockwood attributed the high demand estimates to the hot temperatures, but expressed confidence in the grid operator's ability to cover demand. Meanwhile, Wright emphasized the importance of ensuring continued access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy for Americans in the Mid-Atlantic region.
However, communities are increasingly concerned about the impact of data centers on their health and environment. In Virginia, many data centers are located near residential areas and schools, with state auditors reporting that one-third of these facilities are within 500 feet of such areas.
Elena Schlossberg, who runs a grassroots organization opposing data centers in Prince William County, expressed frustration about the potential health risks associated with diesel generators. "Nothing says life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness like breathing in diesel fumes," she said, highlighting the concerns of local residents.
Schlossberg argued that it is unfair for neighborhoods to bear the health costs of Virginia's data center boom, saying "Either way, we are screwed. Either our lights go out or we get to breathe in this pollution." The use of diesel generators by data centers during past heat waves has raised concerns among residents, who have reported seeing dark gray plumes of smoke emanating from these facilities.
Last June, two data centers near Ashburn used diesel generators as temperatures rose, prompting concerns among local residents. The incident occurred after PJM had activated a demand-response program, but was later attributed to a fire at a nearby substation.
The Sierra Club of Virginia's Ann Bennett, who oversees data center issues, reported that residents are already expressing concerns about the potential use of diesel generators during the current heat wave. Bennett has tracked DEQ permits for diesel generators and found that the agency allowed 3,790 additional units in 2025, further increasing concerns about air pollution.
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