Tech giants and green groups join forces on US data centre rules

Major technology companies and environmental groups have formed the "Responsible Data Center Collaborative" to develop national guidelines for US data centres, addressing community concerns over their rapid expansion driven by artificial intelligence. The group includes Google, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle, Amazon, Nvidia and Anthropic, alongside organisations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, World Wildlife Fund and Sierra Club. Talks began in September and will continue until February 2027, covering energy use, water resources, community involvement and transparency. The initiative comes as opposition grows globally, with protests planned across 15 European countries on 6-7 November. Data centre electricity consumption rose 17% in 2025 and may nearly double by 2030, while US voters in several cities recently approved restrictions or bans on new facilities.