The Naked Truth/Jamala Rogers
Data Centers: Benefit or Burden?
Data centers have been evolving and expanding since the introduction of computers in the 1950s. In the last decade, their global presence has significantly increased due to advancements in technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing. It is estimated that there are around 600,000 data centers of various sizes and functions worldwide. They have become a pariah in the eyes of communities when it comes to technological advancement, and for good reasons.
Consumers are bearing the costs of their construction and ongoing operations. These centers also pose an environmental risk to local communities. Because the data center messengers are usually deceptive about their product, the general public is often unaware of the full impact that data centers will have on their families, their neighborhoods, and their livelihoods.
A couple of years ago, an ill-informed electorate in Wisconsin spent $40 million on the construction of data centers through a provision in the state budget that created an exemption. The fiscal estimate for the project was intentionally low-balled to ensure passage, but costs are expected to rise significantly in the coming budget cycles. This measure was passed by the Republican-led legislature and signed by Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat.
Big tech companies are making billions of dollars in profit, yet they still expect communities to bear the costs of research, construction, and operations. None of their mega profits trickles down to us. Some of those profits go towards paying lobbyists and paying off local and state officials for their support. The likes of Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and the Silicon Valley crew never want to pay their fair share. They’re always looking for TIFs, gifts, and other subsidies to our detriment.
One common claim made about any construction project is that it will create plenty of jobs. The number of permanent jobs decreases once these facilities are built. They typically and intentionally require only a few highly skilled employees to operate.
Data centers have a significant carbon footprint. A single center can occupy hundreds of acres, consume five million gallons of water daily for cooling, require vast amounts of energy, and generate tons of electronic waste. They are also hot and noisy, creating health hazards for surrounding neighborhoods. Since these centers operate 24/7, they emit constant noise and light pollution. In the future, when related medical issues arise, these companies will resist accountability for the damage they cause.
We also know that the centers are hot and noisy, creating health hazards for the surrounding neighborhoods. The centers have to run 24/7, emitting constant noise and light pollution. In the future, when medical problems emerge, these parasites will fight any claims to hold them accountable for the damage they’ve caused.
Fortunately, there is bipartisan opposition to the proliferation of data centers. Community opposition to data centers has dramatically increased across the U.S. Approximately $64 billion in projects have been blocked or delayed due to organized community resistance. The scrutiny of these centers’ impact must continue so that we fully understand the real costs to the people, the environment, and our way of life. Voters and taxpayers must have the last word on data centers.