What to ask when a data center comes to your town
Communities across the United States are advised to proactively plan for data center proposals by establishing regulations and negotiating legally binding benefit agreements. Experts recommend setting clear goals and carefully managing tax incentives to ensure positive outcomes while mitigating risks. The article highlights that data centers are significant consumers of energy and water, which can strain local resources.
As data center proposals increase across the United States, communities are urged to proactively plan and establish regulations before developments arrive. Experts recommend negotiating legally binding community benefit agreements to ensure data centers meet local needs and distribute some of the AI economy's wealth, as advised by Lauren Withycombe Keeler of Arizona State University.
The article, based on interviews with over 50 experts, highlights that data centers consume significant energy and water, with estimates suggesting they will use 8% of U.S. power by 2030. While they can offer jobs and tax revenue, communities should carefully manage tax incentives and consider potential strain on local resources, particularly water in stressed areas. Transparency from developers and government officials is emphasized as crucial to address resident opposition, with the NAACP's Stop Dirty Data report recommending moratoriums when needed for adequate oversight.
Residents are encouraged to take action by demanding information, rallying for protections, and holding elected officials accountable. The article is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, based at the University of Missouri, and was first published on MinnPost.