Opinion: Data center opposition growing, politicians dismiss concerns
Public opinion against data centers is growing nationally, with polls showing significant opposition, especially regarding energy and water consumption. North Dakota Republicans are criticized for dismissing these concerns as uninformed. Applied Digital's 280-megawatt data center near Harwood, North Dakota, is cited as an example of ongoing development.
Mike McFeely, a columnist for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, criticizes North Dakota Republicans and pundits for dismissing growing public opposition to data centers as uniformed. He highlights that polls indicate 70% of Americans do not want data centers near them, and a majority oppose them regardless of location, even preferring nuclear power plants.
McFeely argues that concerns over energy consumption, water usage, noise pollution, artificial intelligence, and distrust of tech billionaires are legitimate. He points out that the political narrative has shifted from inevitability to economic benefits, particularly in North Dakota, where a "Trump-like propaganda campaign" is underway.
The article references Applied Digital's planned 280-megawatt data center, or AI factory, near Harwood, North Dakota, set to begin construction soon. It also notes a "strong bipartisan backlash" in Texas, indicating that data center opposition is becoming a national issue ahead of mid-term elections.