Chesterton, Valparaiso students debate data centers’ impact on the environment

Students from Chesterton and Valparaiso High Schools debated the environmental impacts of data centers at an annual environmental debate event hosted by the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group. The Valparaiso team argued that data centers should be restricted to areas where they can be powered by renewable energy, as this would reduce reliance on fossil fuels and protect against potential disruptions. They noted that in data center-heavy states like Virginia, electricity prices have risen 267% over the past 5 years. The Chesterton team countered that concentrating data centers in areas with existing green energy availability could disincentivize investment in new renewable sources. They also warned of the significant water demands of data centers, noting that large facilities can consume up to 5 million gallons per day - the equivalent of a town of 10,000 to 50,000 people. The debate highlighted the complex tradeoffs between the economic benefits of data centers and their environmental impacts on energy and water resources, with both teams advocating for responsible policies to manage the growth of this industry.