Across the country, from Texas to Virginia, new data centers are being built to support the growing demand for online services and artificial intelligence. While developers tout job creation and increased tax revenue, residents and local officials are voicing concerns about the facilities’ impact on electricity costs, water supplies and neighborhood noise.
What a data center is
A data center is a large building that houses thousands of powerful computers, storage systems and networking gear. These machines run 24/7, handling everything from streaming video to mobile payments and AI model training. The average facility is about 100,000 square feet—roughly the size of a Walmart Supercenter.
Energy and water needs
Running these computers requires a constant supply of electricity and extensive cooling. A typical AI‑focused data center can consume as much power annually as 100,000 households, and the largest projects under construction may need twenty times that amount, according to the International Energy Agency. In 2024, data centers worldwide used about 415 terawatt‑hours, roughly 1.5% of global electricity.
Cooling systems rely on freshwater, usually drawn from municipal supplies. Large air‑conditioning units, fans and chilled‑water pipes keep the equipment from overheating, but the demand can strain local water resources.
Local impact and community response
Supporters point to temporary construction jobs and permanent positions for technicians, security staff and facility managers, as well as property, sales and use‑tax revenue for state and local governments. Critics, however, cite rising residential electricity rates, potential subsidies for water use, and reports of persistent low‑frequency hums that some residents say affect sleep.
Recent polls show voters are most worried about water consumption and the possibility of higher electric bills. In states such as Virginia, Michigan and Wisconsin, residents have reported hearing a constant low‑frequency noise from nearby centers, which some health experts link to sleep disturbances.
Policy and regulation
Former President Donald Trump advocated expanding data centers on federal land and easing regulatory hurdles to speed construction. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott recently paused new data‑center approvals while state agencies assess power and water usage, tax incentives and cooling methods.
States compete for data‑center investment by offering land, tax breaks and robust power grids. Virginia benefits from early internet exchange points that provide inexpensive, high‑capacity connections, while Texas promotes abundant land and energy resources.
Future outlook
More than 3,000 data centers already operate in the United States, with over half of planned facilities slated for rural locations. Industry analysts project that roughly 1,900 additional centers could open by 2034, many in Texas and Virginia.
As the digital economy grows, communities will need to balance the economic benefits of data‑center development with responsible stewardship of electricity, water and quality‑of‑life concerns.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
