Over the last several months, Alaska has seen a flurry of activity around data centers. Proposals for buildouts dot the state map from the North Slope to Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Without meaningful state legislation on the books, many Alaskans are expressing concern in the face of so many developments, and emerging threats to their ability to weigh in on projects taking shape in their own backyards.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently proposed a handover of nearly 20,000 acres of land near Houston, Alaska. If the proposal moves forward, this land would be granted to Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) at no cost, for what AIDEA is calling a “multi-use industrial and energy development district.” This industrial park would be constructed roughly 60 miles north of Anchorage, and feature scalable data centers.

The project is largely speculative. We do not have any information on potential tenants, a site plan, or clear idea of how the park would be supplied with energy, water, and other shared resources. While AIDEA claims the park would drive economic growth, it has not provided any figures on projected job numbers or a potential return on investment.

This poor planning is largely in line with a number of risky investments AIDEA has put forward over time. To date, less than half of AIDEA’s projects have made permanent contributions to Alaska’s economy. In fact, a 2022 report on the corporation states, “AIDEA’s investments in projects are more likely to cost rather than make money.” Tell DNR: AIDEA’s industrial park is a bad investment for Alaska. 

AIDEA’s proposal also raises several questions and concerns around habitat loss and public access. The outlined acreage features documented salmon habitat with over ten anadromous bodies of water, as well as designated moose calving and wintering areas. The area is also home to over 40 miles of public trails, including the Houston-Willow Creek and Herning trails, and the Haessler-Norris system. Regardless of whether AIDEA’s project is successful, if DNR transfers the land, it will forever be out of the hands of the public along with the resources located within the parcel. These concerns, coupled with AIDEA’s poor reputation for transparency should give us all pause.

While Alaska continues to contend with a flurry of attention from developers, the federal government is working to fast track planned data centers nationwide. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed removing the federal minimum requirement for public notice and comment on some air pollution permits. Essentially, “minor sources” of pollution would no longer need to go through current public input processes. 

This raises a number of questions around data center development as “minor sources” can include large diesel and natural gas generators. Data centers require a large amount of electricity around the clock. Many facilities rely on said generators as a source of backup power, or for additional generation when needed. The potential for these operations to hurt air quality is significant, and runs directly against the EPA’s state mission to protect human health. 

Communities in Alaska and across the nation have a right to know about proposed sources of pollution, and to weigh in and ask questions about these projects. Tell the EPA that public participation matters in Alaska.

All of this news can feel very overwhelming, but we never take up these fights alone. The Alaska Center is  constantly uplifted by our community’s willingness to speak up and speak out for our state, and for the future generations who will call Alaska home. 

As opportunities continue to arise around data center accountability, and threats to our air and water surface, we will continue to advocate for smart development in the public’s interest. Submit your comments to EPA and DNR today and continue to follow along for future updates. 

In partnership,

The Alaska Center