The promise of economic growth and technological advancement has long been intertwined with the construction of massive data centers across the United States. However, as these centers continue to rise, a growing chorus of opposition is questioning the true nature of "local control" in their development. Critics argue that while politicians tout the benefits of data centers, the reality is often a thinly veiled handout to powerful tech monopolies.
Nicholas Liu, writing for Salon, highlights the growing divide between public sentiment and the perceived economic benefits of data centers. Despite the claims of job creation and economic stimulation, a significant portion of the American public, including 70% of Americans according to a Gallup poll, view data centers as a threat rather than an opportunity. They are seen as environmental polluters, drivers of energy costs, and contributors to the loss of local jobs and the degradation of cultural and artistic values.
In Wisconsin, the debate over data centers has taken center stage in the gubernatorial race. Democratic candidate David Crowley has distanced himself from the notion of making the state a global AI and data hub, emphasizing the importance of local control and community decision-making. Crowley argues that local elected boards should have the final say in whether or not to allow data centers within their jurisdictions, a stance that contrasts sharply with his Republican opponent, Tom Tiffany. Despite having previously voted in favor of federal bills that expedited data center construction, Tiffany now supports local input and control.
The push for temporary moratoriums on data center construction, advocated by figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, reflects a broader concern about the impact of these facilities. These moratoriums are seen as a necessary step to assess the full effects of data centers and to develop more sustainable solutions. However, the idea of offloading data center permitting to local governments is increasingly viewed as a strategy to mask the true power dynamics at play. These local governments, often underfunded and vulnerable to the pressure tactics of tech giants, are seen as pawns in a game that favors the interests of Big Tech over the will of the people.
The situation is not without its controversies. In Fort Worth, Texas, Mayor Mattie Parker and eight city council members accepted a total of $46,000 in campaign contributions from the CEO of Black Mountain Energy, a developer planning to build a data center in the city. Despite the apparent conflict of interest, the mayor and council members pushed forward with the approval of the project, illustrating the potential for local officials to be swayed by financial incentives.
The story of data centers and local control is a complex one, intertwined with the broader narrative of economic development and corporate influence. As data centers continue to expand, the struggle for genuine local control and the protection of community interests will likely persist. The future of these facilities may hinge on the ability of local communities to assert their rights and shape their own destiny in the face of powerful corporate interests.
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