Seth Higgins: The internet has to live somewhere
Seth Higgins presents an opinion piece arguing against what he views as myopic opposition to data centers, emphasizing their necessity for online activity. He addresses common concerns such as zoning, electricity consumption, and water usage, particularly within the context of Pennsylvania's unique legal and environmental landscape. The article calls for residents and lawmakers to develop sustainable strategies rather than engaging in blanket opposition.
In an opinion piece for Broad + Liberty, Seth Higgins, a resident of Philadelphia and native of Saint Marys, Pennsylvania, criticizes the growing online opposition to data center construction, likening it to a fish complaining about water. He argues that online activity, including the organization of anti-data center groups and online petitions, inherently relies on the infrastructure provided by data centers.
Higgins acknowledges valid concerns regarding land use, emphasizing the need for appropriate zoning codes, property setbacks, and tree screening to integrate data centers into communities. He specifically points to Pennsylvania's "Fair Share Doctrine" as a legal framework that would challenge outright prohibitions on data centers, urging the commonwealth's thousands of municipalities to proactively develop specific zoning regulations. He expresses sympathy for concerns about electricity consumption, a problem he attributes to past policy failures in developing sufficient nuclear capacity, but dismisses water usage as a significant issue in a water-rich state like Pennsylvania, comparing its consumption favorably to other industries.
While recognizing that data centers do not create many day-to-day jobs, Higgins notes the overall growth in data center employment and their potential for significant tax revenue. He concludes that data centers are an unavoidable part of modern life, advocating for collaborative strategies between residents and lawmakers to ensure their sustainable construction and operation, rather than what he perceives as blind opposition.