WHEREAS:
Data centers are a fast-growing part of information technology infrastructure where data is processed, stored and connected to networks for remote access. Also, the surge in data centers being planned, built and operated has been in large part due to efforts to expand the use of AI; and
WHEREAS:
Data centers require huge volumes of water to operate, primarily to cool servers and equipment that generates intense heat during operations. Water utilities and municipalities will face pressure to accommodate this growing demand, and significant investments in water and wastewater infrastructure will be necessary; and
WHEREAS:
Hyperscale data centers (centers 100,000 square feet or larger) are operated by the largest tech companies (Meta, Google, Amazon, etc.) representing the most significant electricity consumers in the industry. The increased demand and necessary power grid upgrades have significant impacts on customers as a result of higher energy costs, higher energy market prices and higher capacity market prices; and
WHEREAS:
State and local tax breaks and subsidies for data center construction and operation are unnecessary and ultimately result in a net loss in tax revenue as centers do not generate offsetting revenue; and
WHEREAS:
The construction and operation of data centers has contributed to health and quality of life issues, including numerous environmental concerns including, but not limited to, overuse of local water supplies and electricity, harmful emissions from generators, on-site power plants and other equipment and water pollutants, constant loud noise of data center equipment and the loss of open spaces.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
AFSCME supports projects that support people over corporations. state and local governments should not provide subsidies for data centers. If subsidies are unavoidable, federal, state and local governments should establish important assessment, disclosure and transparency requirements. Nondisclosure agreements should be prohibited to the fullest extent permitted under the law; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
Citizens must be given a voice at the table in decisions about whether and under what terms and conditions to allow the construction and operation of data centers and not be forced to give up local control in favor of state oversight; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
Before any new center is approved or constructed, developers must report expected power and water needs and commit to provide regular impact reports on actual usage and rates for each data center serviced by a utility, including any new cost incurred by local governments, unless otherwise prohibited; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
Regulators and legislators must put safeguards in place to prevent privatization of public water systems, especially where those decisions are made to accommodate data centers’ growth; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
All data center construction and operation must abide by critical labor and community standards, including hiring a local workforce, the payment of prevailing wages for the construction and operation of the facility, the use of registered apprenticeships, and compliance, at a minimum, with applicable health, safety, fire and sanitation code requirements, laws, standards and industry and labor-recognized best practices; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
AFSCME and its affiliates should consider supporting state and local moratoriums on data center construction as appropriate to provide sufficient time to assess the impact of data center construction and consider revisions to existing requirements and incentives related to them; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
AFSCME and its affiliates will work within the AFL-CIO and state and local labor bodies to advocate for the requirements and standards outlined in this resolution.
SUBMITTED BY:
Anne Radakovits, Delegate
AFSCME Local 1979
Brian Brocato, Delegate
AFSCME Local 297
Council 13
Pennsylvania
Jackie Tate, President and Delegate
Hilary Zust, Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME Local 88, Council 75
Oregon
Tina Turner-Morfitt, Vice President and Delegate
AFSCME Retiree Chapter 75
Oregon