I'm not necessarily in favor of data centers. That said, every time I see something like this I just wonder when we are going to start hearing about data centers being built in poor countries powered exclusively by coal and zero regulation. I really have no idea what a good outcome looks like but playing ultra hardball seems unwise. I'm very poorly educated on data centers and AI in general. But, I am an expert in electrical generation. I know we could do it pretty clean, at least relative to coal/heavy oil. I don't think stopping data centers built in the US will magically cease the boulder rolling in the AI direction. Seems like the money is at its back so its going to happen, just a matter of when, where and how dirty.
this post was submitted on 26 Jun 2026
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It’s pretty easy to regulate this:
- Closed loop cooling
- grid upgrade built into design plans, paid for by the datacenter.
- cleaner power generation
I'd say your list is a bit too short. Some more considerations (not comprehensive):
- Construction noise and seismic limits (nearby neighborhoods have been disturbed and experienced damage from blasting operations)
- Operating noise limits (ban on-site gas turbine generation, limit noise levels from cooling towers)
- Limit light pollution
Edit:
- Job protections and guarantees for workers displaced by automation
I have first-hand experience living near a source of infrasound, and oh my god, it's terrible. Here's a good video about the infrasound generated by data centers.
Agreed
I think there are definitely ways to do these data centers that have minimal external impacts, but it costs money and time, and they are trying to rush these through as fast as possible.
Yeah, tough to have a good faith conversation about it.
You basically understand what the people with a vested interest in making AI happen want you to know. The truth is that AI is already starting to crumble. It's a technology that doesn't do 99% of the things it's perported to do, and will never do 90% of what they sold it on.
Yeah I'm not versed in the subject enough to say/think you're wrong necessarily. I do know the general slant Lemmy's population has against it though.
PROGRESSIVES introduced Legislation DIRECTLY to Help the Republicans they Talked to WEEKS earlier? I'm SURE Republican Voters will remember this during the next Election when they vote for ~~Progressives!~~ The EXACT Same people they Complain about!
Nothing will change. This won't get passed. It'll all get brushed under the rug and the Democrats will keep the status quo as usual
If the Democrats were willing to negotiate at all, this would be an excellent starting point. Sadly, they're going to stomp their feet and hold their breath until the whole thing gets scrapped and we're back where we started. Part of me wonders if that isn't the point.