Debate Over Data Centers in Arizona Sparks Health Concerns and Political Divisions

Doug Herrera, a resident of Page, Arizona, lives in the house his father built before his death from cancer. Herrera suspects nearby uranium mining might have contributed to his father’s illness. Now, he fears the health impact of a proposed $10 billion mega data center nearby. “I’m a patriot, but I’m highly against the data center,” Herrera, 64, stated from his porch, near a sign reading “No Data Centers.” He expressed concerns about increased light and sound pollution and rising temperatures.

Page is situated near iconic Southwestern landscapes of arid desert, Joshua trees, and red-rock formations. Its City Council approved land for a data center, but further zoning and approvals are needed. Residents worried about health risks have mobilized against the construction.

The rise of data centers is dividing communities like Page and becoming a key issue in the midterm elections. Arizona’s 1st Congressional District candidates are divided over new centers, and the state’s attorney general has paused new approvals and construction. A developer has purchased 500 acres for the project. Robert Housman highlights emerging research on how data centers might affect health, fueling state-level opposition.

This issue pressures politicians supporting data center expansion, especially in traditionally conservative states like Ohio and Texas. “Two years ago, data centers weren’t opposed,” stated Lee Hannah, a political science professor. “Now, grassroots movements have made them a career-ending issue for some.” Hyperscale centers, housing infrastructure for AI, demand extensive space, and consume significant electricity, using backup gas generators.

The resulting pollution links to heart and respiratory issues, and elevated cancer risks, environmental studies show. Emissions could result in approximately 1,300 deaths annually by 2030 and impose a $20 billion public health cost by 2028. Cooling components might contain synthetic “forever chemicals” that accumulate in human tissue, according to advocacy groups. Noise from generators and systems can harm hearing, lighting contributes to light pollution, and they create “data heat islands,” with high temperatures.

Alison Steele, executive director of the Environmental Health Project, stressed that research on data center health impacts is still in early stages. The Data Center Coalition argues that backup power use is minimal, claiming regulations curb emissions and impacts.

Political rifts over data centers align GOP contenders against President Trump, who views them as economic growth opportunities. Two-thirds of Americans oppose new data centers, as shown in an October Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll. Most capacity under construction lies in states Trump won in 2024 by considerable margins, states particularly vulnerable to construction issues.

In Page, local signs protest the center. Opposition risks Republican candidate Jay Feely, endorsed by Trump, who considers centers vital for economic competition with China. Democratic challenger Amish Shah seeks a pause in their district. The competitive House race could decide party control post-midterms.

Opposition to data centers poses risks for Ohio GOP Sen. Jon Husted, attacked by his opponent Sherrod Brown. Brown blames Husted for the health and environmental impact of the rapid construction encouraged by tax breaks. Husted emphasizes making data centers pay for infrastructure, addressing local decisions.

A survey shows 55% of Ohio adults oppose data center construction, with concerns over pollution and community impact. Residents cite noise, air, and water issues, fearing chemical and metal pollution affecting water supplies, especially from gas-powered operations. As community members in Page voted out the mayor following the data center land sale approval, opposition suggests political risks for candidates backing data centers.