Here's a thought: communities taking $ in exchange for providing extreme amounts of water and energy, instead demand a piece of the action. These companies are making billions - why not demand a share? Stock? Profit sharing? Today they get a few million up front and live wirh the headaches (look at Palo). Demand a seat at the table with a sizeable share of stock in the company. Make them share the wealth - and decision making.
Every writer in this forum who addresses data centers provides excellent information. Iowa already has 100plus centers with more in the closet. I find it ironic that farmland is being cultivated for these centers, when our Legislature has made it difficult for farmland donation for prairie restoration or expanded public recreation. The QTS Center in SW Cedar Rapids is on 600 acres and is supposed to have a closed loop water system. With 60 percent of the US currently in drought conditions and our daytime and night temps increasing, we have trouble my friends.
I do recall what I learned about the "Industrial Revolution" and how destructive it was to many peoples lives and livelyhood. I don't see this as much different. As was pointed out, the number of people employed after this major change takes place is microscopic. The number of people who will be displaced is undetermined, but you can bet that will make this decision very important.
"The collapse of local journalism has consequences that extend far beyond whether people know who won Friday night’s football game." You've made a critical point, Julie. I wanted to include it in my column (thank you for the mention!), but simply ran too long. Some of the individuals at Salix missed reading the City Council March and April agendas that could have given them a heads-up. They asked the local newspaper afterwards if it was on its online publication or if the City Council would consider going beyond posting physical notices in local building sites. Thank you!
Thanks for following up on Cheryl Tevis’ excellent piece. The use of NDA’s and political contributions to obtain land and water for data centers across the country is like a tidal wave.
Google has had a massive presence in Mills-Pott county for many years. NDA's for all workers for years. Mid-American Energy has begun construction of a solar farm in Mills County, on about 320 acres. It's fascinating to watch, but we of course wonder why it had to eat up a huge acreage with no possibility of farming beneath. Substack by someone (?) recently about solar/agrivoltaics was interesting....Midwest isn't best place due to our humidity, etc.
What will we all see in the way of new electric transmission lines, too?
Absolutely an incredible amount of information Julie. Thank you very much. Privatizing profit and socializing costs is what people with lots of monies do to people with not so much.
Thank, Julie. This is TRULY a very important discussion that should be happening everywhere, right now. There are so many aspects of data centers that need the curtains pulled way back, and there are good reasons why the overall industry is trying to keep them closed. I would encourage everyone to watch this short interview (less than 10 minutes) Bernie Sanders did with AI's Claude in March. https://youtu.be/tDleRRlHibw?si=Q5HNG1pFmpFdu9RN
Thank you, thank you, Julie. Such a timely piece of reporting. It seems like showing up and asking questions seems like the most basic tenet of being an engaged citizen and yet apathy towards these out of state, multibillion dollar companies is what those entities hope for. Indeed, Laura, David and Erin, Randy, Ed, Art , Cheryl and you(!) make up the inquisitive bunch that helps catalyze the citizenry to inquire about our future and serving as responsible stewards. I always think of Iowa’s environment as this precious and distinctly finite resource that takes the hit from private, for profit corporations. AI isn’t going away but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t pay the price for locating here. Thank you, Julie!
Here's a thought: communities taking $ in exchange for providing extreme amounts of water and energy, instead demand a piece of the action. These companies are making billions - why not demand a share? Stock? Profit sharing? Today they get a few million up front and live wirh the headaches (look at Palo). Demand a seat at the table with a sizeable share of stock in the company. Make them share the wealth - and decision making.
Every writer in this forum who addresses data centers provides excellent information. Iowa already has 100plus centers with more in the closet. I find it ironic that farmland is being cultivated for these centers, when our Legislature has made it difficult for farmland donation for prairie restoration or expanded public recreation. The QTS Center in SW Cedar Rapids is on 600 acres and is supposed to have a closed loop water system. With 60 percent of the US currently in drought conditions and our daytime and night temps increasing, we have trouble my friends.
Thank you, Mary!
I do recall what I learned about the "Industrial Revolution" and how destructive it was to many peoples lives and livelyhood. I don't see this as much different. As was pointed out, the number of people employed after this major change takes place is microscopic. The number of people who will be displaced is undetermined, but you can bet that will make this decision very important.
"The collapse of local journalism has consequences that extend far beyond whether people know who won Friday night’s football game." You've made a critical point, Julie. I wanted to include it in my column (thank you for the mention!), but simply ran too long. Some of the individuals at Salix missed reading the City Council March and April agendas that could have given them a heads-up. They asked the local newspaper afterwards if it was on its online publication or if the City Council would consider going beyond posting physical notices in local building sites. Thank you!
Cheryl, you consistently bring important issues and reporting to big issues of the day. Thank YOU!
THANK YOU!
Thanks for following up on Cheryl Tevis’ excellent piece. The use of NDA’s and political contributions to obtain land and water for data centers across the country is like a tidal wave.
What are you seeing in southwest Iowa?
https://theconservationcurrent.substack.com/p/solar-panels-on-farmland-the-honest?r=1iutjx&utm_medium=ios
Above is the piece I was trying to recall earlier… on farming in conjunction with solar energy production. Interesting points…..
Google has had a massive presence in Mills-Pott county for many years. NDA's for all workers for years. Mid-American Energy has begun construction of a solar farm in Mills County, on about 320 acres. It's fascinating to watch, but we of course wonder why it had to eat up a huge acreage with no possibility of farming beneath. Substack by someone (?) recently about solar/agrivoltaics was interesting....Midwest isn't best place due to our humidity, etc.
What will we all see in the way of new electric transmission lines, too?
Absolutely an incredible amount of information Julie. Thank you very much. Privatizing profit and socializing costs is what people with lots of monies do to people with not so much.
Thank you so much! I hope you can share it with others!
Thank, Julie. This is TRULY a very important discussion that should be happening everywhere, right now. There are so many aspects of data centers that need the curtains pulled way back, and there are good reasons why the overall industry is trying to keep them closed. I would encourage everyone to watch this short interview (less than 10 minutes) Bernie Sanders did with AI's Claude in March. https://youtu.be/tDleRRlHibw?si=Q5HNG1pFmpFdu9RN
Thanks so much, Tim! Please be our eyes and ears in Decorah!
Thank you, thank you, Julie. Such a timely piece of reporting. It seems like showing up and asking questions seems like the most basic tenet of being an engaged citizen and yet apathy towards these out of state, multibillion dollar companies is what those entities hope for. Indeed, Laura, David and Erin, Randy, Ed, Art , Cheryl and you(!) make up the inquisitive bunch that helps catalyze the citizenry to inquire about our future and serving as responsible stewards. I always think of Iowa’s environment as this precious and distinctly finite resource that takes the hit from private, for profit corporations. AI isn’t going away but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t pay the price for locating here. Thank you, Julie!
Thanks so much!