Rural Residents Worry Data Centers Could Raise Costs
A new University of Illinois survey indicates rural residents are highly concerned about the growth of data centers across the U.S. They worry about rising electricity costs, excessive water use, and the loss of agricultural land for development. Researchers advise rural leaders to carefully consider infrastructure, utility costs, and land-use tradeoffs alongside potential tax revenue.
A recent survey conducted by University of Illinois farmdoc researchers, known as the Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy Survey, has highlighted significant concerns among rural U.S. residents regarding the rapid expansion of data centers. These facilities, essential for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and various digital services, demand substantial electrical capacity, water for cooling, and large tracts of land for development.
The survey found that rural respondents were particularly worried about data centers driving up electricity costs, contributing to water overuse, and consuming valuable agricultural land. More than half of rural participants expressed strong concerns about the impact on electricity expenses, and overall, rural residents showed greater apprehension about these issues compared to their urban and suburban counterparts.
In response to these findings, researchers suggest that rural leaders face a critical decision. They must carefully balance the potential economic benefits, such as tax revenue and development, against the pressing needs for infrastructure, increased utility costs, rising water demand, and the long-term implications for land use and zoning.