By Erin Feiger
Publication Date: 2026-04-14 21:30:00
Data centers developed by major technology firms such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are facing growing investor concern about their environmental impact.
Based on interviews it conducted, Reuters reported that investors have raised issues about water consumption and potential pollution affecting nearby communities ahead of annual shareholder meetings in the spring.
In 2025, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google each halted construction of data centers in several U.S. states because of local dissent.
While artificial intelligence that needs these data centers to operate has a bevy of potential benefits, such as optimizing power grids and supporting farmers and the food supply, its drawbacks are raising concerns at a rapid pace.
Shareholders want more data on the companies’ water usage, according to Reuters. This issue has loomed especially large for communities as more areas face water restrictions due to drought, yet data centers keep going up…
