Department of Agricultural Economics: Undergraduate Research
Op-Eds from ENSC230 Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policies
Date of this Version
Fall 2025
Document Type
Editorial
Citation
Op-ed from ENSC230 Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policies, fall 2025
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is powered by data centers, sprawling warehouses of servers that require massive amounts of electricity and water to operate. The United Statesalready has more than 1,000 data centers, with nearly 400 more on the way.
Nebraska is next. Google is building a major new data center in North Lincoln, adding to the 18 operating across the state.
Our collective use of tools like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot has fueled a boom in generative AI, and with it a surge in energy and water consumption.
The need for AI regulation isn’t a future concern. It’s now.
Included in
Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons
Comments
Copyright 2025, Lauren Smith. Used by permission