WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Chemours, the company at the center of PFAS contamination in southeastern North Carolina, is moving into the data center industry, a move that comes amidst officials debating the future of the controversial facilities around the region.
Artificial intelligence has generated increased demand for data centers nationwide. The facilities can bring economic growth and tax revenue to communities, but they also use significant amounts of electricity and water. Environmental advocates argue Chemours’ manufacturing could present further problems, namely PFAS and pollution.
“When you combine that expansion of data centers and increased use of PFAS, I think folks have very good reason to be concerned,” said Drew Ball with the Natural Resources Defense Council, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group…