Key facts
- The Wilderness Society called for a moratorium on AI data centers on federal lands.
- Concerns include water use, electricity demand, wildlife habitat, and public access.
- The Trump administration is considering permits for data center developments on Bureau of Land Management lands.
- The Bureau of Land Management manages about a tenth of America's land base.
The Wilderness Society on Monday called for a moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers on federal lands, citing concerns over water use, electricity demand, wildlife habitat, and public access. The group advocates for public lands to prioritize recreation, conservation, and public access over large-scale industrial development tied to AI.