New Report Reveals Data Center Backup Generators Pollute Like Power Plants, Endanger Health

Federal regulatory changes that eased enforcement of on-site backup generator emissions are contributing to increased health risks from data centers, according to a report released by the Environmental Protection Network (EPN), a nonprofit whose members are former public officials who maintain an interest in environmental policy.

Air pollution from data centers could increase healthcare costs by almost $21 billion by 2028, contributing to roughly 600,000 asthma cases and 1,300 premature deaths, the report states. The findings were first reported by Utility Dive.

"These engines and turbines can emit nitrogen oxides, smog-forming volatile organic compounds and soot pollution," the report states. "The combined generating capacity of a large generator or turbine fleet can rival that of a conventional power plant" [2]. The report is titled "Hidden Health Costs of AI Data Centers."...<<<Read More>>>...