Trial and error best method for data centers?
An opinion column argues that data centers are essential to modern digital life but create significant electricity, water, noise and environmental concerns. The author calls for governments to regulate their construction and use a trial-and-error approach to find effective safeguards.
David Barto, a Hamilton County native and nonprofit director, traces the evolution of data centers and argues that society has become dependent on the services they support. Despite widespread public concerns about their appearance, energy use, water consumption, noise and emissions, he says consumers are unlikely to give up digital conveniences such as streaming, online shopping and cloud services.
Barto advocates stronger federal and state oversight to ensure data centers are built in locations and configurations that reduce water and energy use. He concludes that policymakers should try regulatory approaches, assess whether they produce the desired public outcomes and adjust them when necessary.