Data Center Development Impacts and Regulation

Expressed deep concern over water shortages, water rates, and electrical rate increases, urging the committee to place strict restrictions on data centers.

Highlighted concerns regarding wildlife destruction, aquifer depletion, non-native electromagnetic fields, and the lack of research on data center impacts.

Shared research from USA Today and Science Direct regarding the environmental and health risks of data centers, urging the committee not to approve land, water, or power for them.

Noted press releases regarding massive acreage requirements for data centers in the area and suggested considering a permanent moratorium or fair market value buyouts for nearby residents.

As a rural landowner with a well, expressed fear that a data center would dry up his well and questioned the proposed water draw amounts.

Discussed the rapid pace of technological advancement and warned that data centers could become obsolete or demand ever-larger areas, causing permanent damage.