Opinion: North Dakota Should Embrace Data Center Development
Scott Hennen's opinion piece advocates for North Dakota to embrace data center development, arguing they are crucial for technological advancement and economic prosperity. He criticizes moratoriums in other states, emphasizing the importance of local control and the benefits data centers can bring, such as jobs and tax revenue. The article highlights North Dakota's resources and leadership as ideal for supporting this growth.
In an opinion piece, Scott Hennen champions data center development in North Dakota, aligning with remarks from U.S. Senator JD Vance who called data centers the "gasoline of the technology revolution." Hennen supports President Trump's "Ratepayer Protection Pledge," which suggests data centers should secure their own power, fund infrastructure, and collaborate with local communities.
The author contrasts North Dakota's proactive stance with other states, citing Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's concerns about "greedy developers" and states implementing data center moratoriums. North Dakota Governor Armstrong, however, dismissed moratoriums as politically motivated rather than policy-driven, arguing they undermine local control. Hennen emphasizes that North Dakota, with its abundant land, energy resources, and experienced local leaders, is well-positioned to attract data centers, drawing parallels to its history in agricultural innovation and oil production.
He points to successful examples like Quincy, Washington, where data centers contribute over half of local property taxes, and Loudoun County, Virginia, which anticipates significant tax revenue from data centers. Hennen concludes that data centers are vital for everyday digital services, healthcare, manufacturing, and national security, urging North Dakota to seize the opportunity presented by the rapid pace of the AI race.