Wilderness Society Demands Moratorium on AI Data Centers

The Wilderness Society called for a moratorium on the construction of artificial intelligence data centers on U.S. federal lands on Monday. The conservation group cited concerns regarding electricity demand, water usage, public access, and the destruction of wildlife habitats.

This request follows federal land records indicating that the administration of Donald Trump is considering permits for several data center developments on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The agency manages approximately 10% of U.S. land, primarily in Western states.

President Donald Trump has advocated for the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure to ensure economic growth and technological competitiveness. In contrast, The Wilderness Society argues that public lands should remain dedicated to recreation and conservation. The Bureau of Land Management has not yet responded to requests for comment.