From Local Action to National Policy—Why America Needs a Data Center Moratorium and a Smarter, Greener Future

7. Hidden inside a mountain – Green Mountain is the world’s most environmentally friendly data centre. The data centre in Stavanger, Norway, uses hydro-electric power, and water-cooling, and is built into an old, recycled Nato hideaway. The owner Smedvig claims the 22,000m2 data centre has the world’s lowest Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) rating and a practically non-existent carbon footprint.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As your independent Democratic candidate for Congress, I have made transparency, common sense, and putting our community above partisan politics the cornerstones of my campaign. Today, I want to talk about an issue that has rapidly moved from the background to the forefront of our local and national conversations: the proliferation of data centers in our region, and why it’s time for a thoughtful pause—a moratorium—on new data center projects until we have the facts we need to make informed decisions.

A major milestone in this effort was achieved right here in Nevada: after months of spirited civic engagement and advocacy, Reno City Hall has enacted a moratorium on new data center developments through 2027. This is a testament to the power of community voices uniting for smart, responsible growth—and a sign that our fight to ensure data centers work for, not against, our region is gaining ground.

Why Data Centers Matter—And Why We Need a Moratorium

Data centers are the backbone of our digital world, hosting everything from government records to your favorite streaming services. Their growth has been explosive, and Nevada—especially the Reno area—has become a focal point for new data center construction. While these facilities can bring jobs and revenue, they also raise serious questions about their long-term impact on our environment, infrastructure, and quality of life.

The fight over data center development has become one of the most important issues facing Nevada today. Communities across our state are voicing concerns about unchecked expansion, and the recent moratorium is only the latest example of Nevadans demanding thoughtful, balanced solutions.

Earlier this year, I called for a moratorium on new data center approvals in our district. I did so not because I oppose progress or innovation, but because I believe that we owe it to ourselves, our children, and our environment to pause and ask: at what cost?

The Risks: Water, Energy, and Community Impact

Data centers consume vast amounts of electricity and water. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a single large data center can use as much electricity as 25,000 homes [1]. In Virginia, where data centers are booming, the Associated Press reported that these facilities account for 21% of Dominion Energy’s load—a figure set to rise sharply [2].

Water usage is another critical concern. The Washington Post recently highlighted that some data centers can use millions of gallons of water daily for cooling—placing stress on local water supplies, particularly during droughts [3]. For communities already grappling with water management and rising energy costs, this is a real and present challenge.

The environmental footprint is also significant. Data centers have been cited as major contributors to carbon emissions, especially when powered by non-renewable energy sources. The International Energy Agency estimates that data centers and data transmission networks account for about 1-1.5% of global electricity use—a number projected to grow as our digital needs increase [4].

Let’s Not Politicize Data Centers

What we don’t need is for data center policy to become another political football. We have seen how partisan bickering can paralyze our government and prevent us from making practical, fact-based decisions. The future of our infrastructure and environment should not be held hostage to special interests or party agendas.

That’s why, in addition to calling for a moratorium, I am urging the formation of a nonpartisan, independent commission to conduct a full cost-benefit analysis of data centers in our region. We must understand not only the jobs and tax revenue these facilities bring, but also their hidden costs—on our grids, our water, our air, and our neighborhoods.

The Path Forward: Science, Facts, and Innovation

This study should not be a stalling tactic, but a proactive step toward smart growth and sustainability. It should examine best practices from around the country and the world, looking at how other communities have balanced technology and ecology. Cities like Amsterdam and Singapore are pioneering energy-efficient, water-wise data centers powered by renewables and cooled with innovative techniques [5][6]. We can learn from them.

Moreover, we should use this opportunity to explore incentives for ecologically friendly data centers. Imagine a future where our region is not just a data hub, but a leader in green technology—where data centers are powered by solar and wind, cooled with recycled water, and designed to give back to the community. These are not pipe dreams; they are real, achievable goals if we have the political courage and imagination to pursue them.

My Pledge to You

As your representative, I will fight for:

• An immediate moratorium on new data center permits until a comprehensive, nonpartisan study is completed.

• The creation of an independent commission to evaluate the true costs and benefits of data centers.

• Policies that reward ecological innovation and protect our community from environmental harm.

• An end to the politicization of critical infrastructure decisions—putting facts and our future ahead of party interests.

Let’s Lead the Nation in Smart, Sustainable Policy

The digital era is here to stay, but how we manage its infrastructure is up to us. Let’s make our district a model for the rest of the country—a place where progress, sustainability, and community go hand in hand.

Thank you for your support and your commitment to a smarter, greener, and more transparent future.

Sincerely,

Gamy Enriquez, MPA

Independent Democratic Candidate for Congress

Sources:
[1] U.S. Department of Energy. “Data Centers and Servers.” energy.gov
[2] Associated Press. “Virginia grapples with data centers’ rising power demands.” apnews.com, Jan 2024
[3] The Washington Post. “Data centers are sucking up water and making climate change worse.” washingtonpost.com, Feb 2024
[4] International Energy Agency. “Data Centres and Data Transmission Networks.” iea.org, 2023
[5] DataCenter Knowledge. “Amsterdam’s Data Center Moratorium: Lessons Learned.” datacenterknowledge.com, 2020
[6] The Straits Times. “Singapore’s push for green data centres.” straitstimes.com, 2023