Opinion: Data Centers Defended Amid Growing Opposition
This opinion piece discusses the intensifying opposition to data centers, using a congressional hearing where Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez presented misleading information about water contamination near a Meta data center in Morgan County, Georgia. The author argues that concerns about data center electricity and water usage are often exaggerated, and highlights the economic benefits data centers bring. The article advocates for disregarding the current 'moral panic' against data centers.
Rich Lowry, in an opinion piece for the Madison County Journal, criticizes the growing opposition to data centers, citing a congressional hearing where Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez presented "brown water" from Morgan County, Georgia, alleging a Meta data center was tainting local residents' water. Lowry contends that this example was misleading, as the water problem affected only four homes' private wells and was likely a consequence of general construction rather than the data center's operation, suggesting Meta should replace the wells as a gesture of goodwill.
Lowry argues that the "growing animus" toward data centers is as irrational and potentially detrimental as the historical campaign against nuclear power. He asserts that while data centers require significant energy and water, their impact is often exaggerated. The author points out that data centers have long powered the internet and cloud computing, and while requiring few operators, they create numerous construction jobs and contribute substantial tax revenue.
The article dismisses concerns about electricity price hikes, noting that rates are higher in states with "misbegotten policies" rather than those with high data center concentrations, like Texas, which practices "energy abundance." Similarly, water concerns are deemed "overblown," with Lowry referencing data that other activities, such as maintaining golf courses, consume significantly more water. He also refutes the argument that data centers are unsightly, comparing them to factories that are not rejected for aesthetic reasons. Lowry concludes by expressing hope that the anti-data center campaign will fail, much like the anti-fracking crusade, preventing the U.S. from falling behind in the AI race.