National View: Data centers mean jobs, revenue, brighter futures
An opinion column argues that data centers are crucial for the American economy, generating jobs and revenue, and are not a threat. The author contends that concerns about water and electricity use are often exaggerated and criticizes "heavy-handed regulations" from local governments and state utility commissions, which could impede technological progress and economic growth. It emphasizes that responsible data center development should cover its own infrastructure costs.
In a "National View" column, Ross Connolly, northeast region director for Americans for Prosperity, champions data centers as the unseen foundation of modern American life, enabling everything from online education to financial transactions. Connolly argues against the "unfairly maligned" perception of data centers in policy discussions, citing their substantial economic contributions, including $727 billion to the country's GDP in 2023 and $162.7 billion in tax revenue.
The column highlights Loudoun County, Virginia, where data centers are projected to generate $1.3 billion in property tax revenue by 2027, comprising nearly half of the county's local tax base. Connolly addresses common criticisms, asserting that data centers create stable technical jobs and do not require tax incentives. He also counters concerns about water usage, noting that many modern facilities employ closed-loop cooling systems that recirculate water.
Connolly advocates for responsible data center development where developers bear the costs of their own infrastructure, such as behind-the-meter generation and new transmission interconnections, rather than passing these costs to ratepayers. He points to the "Ratepayer Protection Pledge" signed by major technology companies to build or buy necessary energy resources. While acknowledging the validity of concerns about new developments, Connolly cautions against using "regulatory chainsaws" when a "scalpel" is needed, warning that excessive regulations can signal a region is "closed for business" and hinder American leadership in AI and advanced computing.