Opinion: When we build data centers here, the tax dollars stay here

An opinion piece published in Deseret News advocates for the United States, particularly Utah, to become a global leader in data infrastructure development. The author argues that building data centers domestically ensures American data remains on American soil, addressing voter concerns about data storage in countries like China. The article highlights the economic benefits for local communities, including significant property tax revenue that can fund schools and public services, citing Loudoun County, Virginia, as an example where data centers account for nearly half of property tax revenue. It also emphasizes the creation of high-paying, non-outsourcable jobs in construction and ongoing maintenance. Addressing common criticisms, the piece asserts that modern data centers utilize advanced technologies to mitigate strain on electrical grids, often employing a "bring your own power" model with large-scale onsite generation, such as Utah's second-largest solar project for data center operations. Concerns about water usage for cooling are also dismissed, as newer facilities are significantly more water-efficient, accounting for less than 1% of U.S. water use. The author concludes that outdated policies blocking data center development will only divert jobs, tax revenue, and strategic advantages elsewhere, urging Utah to lead in supporting this critical infrastructure.