As America's AI boom drives a surge in data center construction, wildlife experts warn of growing threats to green spaces, waterways and animal habitats. From Nevada's public lands to wildlife habitats in Virginia and Tennessee, several high-profile disputes are putting data center developers under pressure to address concerns over environmental protections. Conservationists warn that replacing forests, open spaces and sensitive ecosystems with data center infrastructure could have far-reaching consequences.
Beyond habitat loss, these facilities can require substantial amounts of electricity and water, while construction and operations may generate noise, artificial lighting and polluted runoff, potentially placing additional pressure on wildlife already threatened by drought and environmental change. "Data centers built without careful consideration for wildlife could contribute to habitat loss and fragmentation," Aimee Delach, director of energy and biodiversity at Defenders of Wildlife, said in a statement. Her warning reflects a growing concern among conservationists: as demand for AI computing accelerates, environmental safeguards may struggle to keep pace with development.
The conflict is already visible in Pennsylvania, where Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, a public 18-hole course near Harrisburg, closed on October 12 after more than 30 years of operation. The 228-acre property, which opened in 1995, is intended to become the site of a major data center development reportedly valued at more than $10 billion. Construction has been anticipated for 2027, although the project's local development approvals and technical plans have not been established in the records reviewed.
The closure was driven in part by the course's financial difficulties. Its owner, the Dauphin County General Authority, had accumulated approximately $13 million in debt. It was sold for $45.6 million to Harrisburg I LLC, an entity formed by Dallas-based Provident Realty, with the transaction finalized in June 2026.
Officials said the sale would allow the authority to repay the debt and generate additional tax revenue. A separate community benefits agreement approved in October included commitments to fund public safety and infrastructure projects. Dauphin Highlands is not an isolated case.
Briarwood Golf Club in York County, Pennsylvania, is also the subject of a proposed data center redevelopment, while Fountain Valley Golf Course in Farmington, Minnesota, which closed in 2022, is part of an approved development plan for a campus of up to 12 data centers. Other former golf courses have faced similar proposals, highlighting the growing competition between data center developers and recreational green spaces. A golf course is not untouched wilderness.
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