Data Centers – A Frontline Issue

As the world spins increasingly into disconnect, the calling to reconnect and awakening becomes seemingly insurmountable. Ultimately, we find ourselves trying to reconnect to a vast amount of "things" in a world that cares more about a fictional dollar and less (or maybe not at all) about a tangible person, place, or creature. The latest manifestation of this psychosis, can be seen in our recent explosive worship of data, and its immense consequence...data centers.

As public concern and impact grows, many officials bob-and-weave through questions with answers that imply a “don’t worry about it,” message. This may seem, at first glance, comforting, but in reality it is alarming.

In many, states big corporations, particularly data centers cannot be denied development and are often green-lighted into irrevocable status. The only means by which an area has any control, is if regulating code is ALREADY in place, and constituents are ready to fight. Otherwise, these centers are simply treated like any other person or entity, and denial or impromptu data center specific regulations, can be grounds by which to seek legal action against the area. And imagine that, being sued by a multi-million-dollar (billion?) company. Those costs would be fronted by the citizens, to defend in hindsight their right to do what they want with the development of their community. Waiting for interest from a “big” enough center, waiting for other divisions of local government, waiting for the state or federal government to handle it, leaves the authorship of the area up to others and ultimately up to chance.

The country is currently experiencing a major surge in data center development. Many communities have experienced data centers as double-edged swords, providing tax revenue, temporary construction jobs, and a few permanent jobs, while causing a strain on local resources. Moreover, data centers are increasingly emerging without full community consent leading to significant local opposition, lawsuits, and public pushback.

Some data center information/concerns:

1.     Data Center typical operations:

a.     Draw between 500,000 to five million gallons of water per day (50,000 people’s worth); and

b.     Draw up to 100 megawatts of electricity per year; and

c.     Buildings housing data centers are often at least 1,000,000 square feet in size, or approximately the size of 17 football fields, and some are much larger; and

d.     As part of a larger strategy, centers can have multiple locations making regulation of them tricky. For example, a small center that complies with regulations can be in a town, only to be the hub for a much larger center just outside city limits.

2.     Data Center concerns in communities and nationwide are as follows:

a.     Water pollution

b.     Water consumption

c.     Air pollution

d.     Land consumption

e.     Noise pollution

f.      Electrical grid stability

g.     Utility price increase

h.     Lack of transparency

i.      Lack of accountability

j.      Safety (military strike target)

Throughout the country, communities are beginning to address the role that data centers play. Data centers are an unprecedented issue that requires full exploration, analysis, research, and development to ensure residents’ needs are met first, none of which is currently contemplated in most Master Plans.

Consequently, it is imperative for citizens to encourage their representatives to proactively pause any such development. Urge your representative to adopt a temporary moratorium on data centers until a proper plan can be created for your location, a plan that honors place, people, and animals...one that honors connection.

"The price of my place on this planet, is my advocacy."

*Image courtesty of stockcake