Are Data Centers Coming To Your Area?
As the demand for data centers grows, understanding both their potential benefits and drawbacks is critical for informed community decision-making. Data centers can bring significant economic advantages, such as creating construction and maintenance jobs, increasing local tax revenue, and attracting related technology businesses. They often serve as anchors for digital infrastructure, enabling improved internet speeds, cloud services, and connectivity that can benefit local businesses and residents.
However, the environmental and community impacts deserve careful consideration. Data centers consume large amounts of electricity and water for cooling, which can strain local utilities. They also produce constant noise from cooling fans, backup generators, and other mechanical systems. While typically within regulatory limits, this background noise can still be disruptive, especially in quiet residential neighborhoods.
Community safety and health concerns are also part of the discussion. Residents may be worried about electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from high-voltage electrical equipment, though current scientific consensus suggests EMFs from data centers are” generally” within safety guidelines. More pressing are potential electrical inconsistencies—such as voltage fluctuations or the stress placed on local grids—especially if the infrastructure is not upgraded to handle the load. In rare cases, power surges or backup generator use during outages can cause disturbances for nearby homes and businesses.
Additionally, some neighbors have raised concerns about air quality due to diesel exhaust from backup generators during testing or emergencies, as well as the visual impact of large, industrial-style buildings in otherwise residential areas. This has led to debates over zoning, noise abatement requirements, and the need for clear community engagement processes before construction begins.
Ultimately, balancing the benefits of digital infrastructure growth with proactive mitigation strategies—such as soundproofing, landscape buffers, modern cooling technologies, and transparent communication—can help communities determine whether data centers are a good fit for their location. Early and ongoing engagement with residents ensures that economic gains do not come at the expense of quality of life.
Make sure to get your notes together and attend City/County/Township meetings where this topic is being discussed. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to have input on what happens in your area.
Questions? Comments? Let us know below!
Jan Wangler, Executive Director 