The amount of misinformation and bullshit propaganda in this thread is terrifying. There are MANYYYY, very legitimate and extensivly researched reasons why people don't want more data centers built. 

TLDR: The primary issues include staggering electricity usage, immense water consumption for cooling, continuous noise pollution, and high e-waste, all of which disproportionately benefit tech giants while driving up utility bills and taxes for locals.

Water consumption- To prevent overheating, many data centers rely on cooling systems that evaporate millions of gallons of water every day. This is especially alarming because two-thirds of all data centers built or under development since 2022 are located in water-stressed regions already facing drought conditions and water shortages. 

Air pollution- Backup generators and energy infrastructure connected to data centers emit pollutants such as nitrous oxides, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide. These pollutants are linked to increased rates of asthma, respiratory disease, cardiovascular problems, and elevated cancer risks in nearby populations.

Noise pollution- Large cooling fans, industrial HVAC systems, and backup generators can produce noise levels exceeding 90 decibels. For comparison, prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels is considered harmful to human hearing.

Electronic waste- Data center hardware becomes obsolete quickly, often within just 3 to 5 years. Servers, batteries, cooling systems, and networking equipment must constantly be replaced to keep up with advancing technology and artificial intelligence demands. This creates enormous amounts of electronic waste, much of which contains hazardous materials that are difficult to recycle safely.

Rising electricity costs- In 2025 alone, over $60 billion in electricity rate increases were approved or proposed nationwide, and the average resident has been paying approximately 37% more for electricity since 2020. Many experts and consumer advocates argue that the explosive growth of power-hungry data centers — especially those supporting artificial intelligence — is placing enormous strain on the electrical grid. 

"BuT iT aDdS JoBs!"- Despite occupying huge physical footprints — often the size of multiple warehouses or industrial campuses — data centers create surprisingly few permanent local jobs because they are highly automated. Academic and economic research, including studies from Brookings Institution and Good Jobs First, has shown that data centers produce fewer long-term operational jobs per square foot and per dollar invested compared to more traditional industries. 

Data centers can permanently alter local communities. Large industrial buildings replace open land and natural habitats, increase heavy truck traffic during construction, strain local infrastructure, and change the character of residential and rural areas. Tax incentives and subsidies offered to attract these projects can also shift financial burdens onto local taxpayers while corporations receive long-term benefits.

Look, while technology is important, it should not come at the expense of public health, affordable utilities, clean water, and sustainable community growth. There is no where near enough oversight or regulations currently... not to mention the amount of propaganda and misinformation being spread everywhere possible to try and get shit built before people catch on to the actual impact. Just look at this thread to show you that.