The rapid expansion of data centers in Arizona has set off a chorus of residents and lawmakers focused on the question of water use in a drought-prone state. But one environmental analyst argues the concern over water is misplaced, and that electricity demand poses the more significant long-term risk. Andy Masley is a former high school science teacher turned environmental blogger whose fact-checking of a bestselling book about AI’s environmental footprint earned him a polite correction from the author and an interview with the New York Times. … His conclusion on water use is blunt: critics are relying on outdated or incorrect numbers that don’t tell the full story.

Other data center water news:

• Cap City News (Cheyenne, Wyo.): Cheyenne has an opportunity in responsible data center development