Data center advocacy group pushes support for construction nationwide

Dandy Oreos, representing the nationwide Data Center Coalition, an advocacy group, visited Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to engage with lawmakers and the media. During an interview, Oreos sought to counter what he described as widespread misinformation and a "not in my backyard" (NIMBY) sentiment regarding data center developments across the country. Oreos addressed key community concerns, particularly focusing on electricity consumption. He argued that data centers, by driving demand, actually exert "downward pressure on rates" for consumers and businesses by allowing fixed costs to be spread out. He also spoke to water usage, claiming that the latest data centers utilize advanced technology making them highly efficient compared to other industrial users. While conceding that data centers might not be suitable for every community, Oreos expressed a desire for municipalities to assess projects honestly. He noted the industry's past failure to effectively communicate the benefits, such as contributing school district taxes without adding students to the system. Despite his efforts, the report acknowledged the significant uphill battle faced by advocates, referencing ongoing strong opposition in Pennsylvania's mid-state counties and local "horror stories" from Virginia, which Oreos had cited as a success story.