As data centers multiply, Santa Clara leaders, residents question its environmental impacts

SANTA CLARA LEADERS ARE RAISING concerns about how the city’s dozens of data centers affect residents and the environment.

Santa Clara has more standalone data centers than any other California city — 55 in operation and three in the pipeline, according to the city. Demand is growing as more people use the internet and digitally demanding technology advances, such as artificial intelligence. With data centers providing the city with millions in revenue, officials are questioning impacts to water and the electrical grid.