Guest column: North Dakota can have both data centers and democracy
A guest column argues that North Dakota can successfully balance data center development with local democratic input and environmental protection. It highlights a model ordinance, developed by a coalition of state and local groups, which provides local governments with tools to thoroughly evaluate data center proposals and address concerns related to electricity, water, and environmental impact.
Terry Effertz, executive director of TechND, responds to a recent column by Mike McFeely, asserting that North Dakota can attract data centers while maintaining democracy and local control. Effertz acknowledges legitimate concerns regarding transparency, local input, and the environmental impacts associated with data centers' significant electricity and water consumption, but refutes McFeely's conclusion that the state has failed in these areas.
Effertz details a collaborative effort involving The League of Cities, The Association of Counties, planning and zoning experts, the data center industry, and TechND. This group spent months studying best practices and local community needs, culminating in a model ordinance designed to empower local governments to thoroughly evaluate data center proposals. The ordinance specifically addresses key issues such as electricity demand, grid impacts, water usage, and environmental effects, providing a framework for communities to ask informed questions and make responsible decisions.
The column emphasizes that the goal is not to reject industries, but to "write the rules that let them work here responsibly." It also highlights the importance of protecting property rights for both developers and neighbors, ensuring that good ordinances facilitate development while safeguarding community character. Effertz concludes that North Dakota does not have to choose between economic progress through infrastructure and democratic principles, proposing a path where both can coexist through thoughtful governance.