Opinion: Communities Should Ask Key Questions Before Approving Data Centers
An opinion column argues that the effects of data centers depend on decisions about electricity, noise, water use and community engagement. It contrasts projects in Quincy, Washington; Williston and Ellendale, North Dakota; and El Paso, Texas, while citing broader data center policy actions in several states.
Robert Mayo, a research specialist at North Dakota State University’s Challey Institute, argues that data centers can either benefit or burden communities depending on how projects are planned and regulated. He highlights Quincy, Washington, where data centers provide much of the city’s property-tax revenue, and contrasts it with Williston, North Dakota, where proximity to homes contributed to noise complaints and a nuisance lawsuit.
The column also compares electricity and water outcomes. Ellendale, North Dakota, reportedly used stranded wind power and a closed-loop cooling system, while Meta’s planned El Paso facility committed to water-use limits. Mayo says officials should evaluate grid capacity, noise setbacks, water consumption and developer engagement before approving projects, noting that New York paused large new data centers and Texas halted new grid connections for an audit.