Data Centers Are America's Next Great Infrastructure Success Story

Al Cohen Explains Why

Data center developments have become a flashpoint in communities across America. But much of the opposition rests on outdated information and misunderstandings. Here's the reality—and why these projects are vital to U.S. economic strength and technological leadership.

The Myths vs. Reality

Myth #1: "Data centers drain communities dry."

The reality is the opposite. In Quincy, Washington, Microsoft's data center presence helped cut the local poverty rate from 29.4% to 13.1% while county tax revenues more than tripled—funding a new medical center and modernized schools . These aren't abstract benefits; they're measurable improvements to people's lives. The construction phase alone generates thousands of jobs, with Oracle projects creating between 2,500 and 8,000 construction positions per campus . Once operational, data centers employ over a thousand skilled workers per site in roles ranging from facilities engineers to security and logistics professionals—opportunities accessible to community members regardless of past industry experience .

Myth #2: "They'll use up our water."

This is the most common fear—and the most outdated. Many facilities use closed-loop cooling systems where water is recirculated and not consumed . Microsoft has introduced zero-water cooling designs for AI workloads that recirculate water through a closed-loop, direct-to-chip system with no evaporation . Nvidia's warm-water cooling system can eliminate "pretty much all water usage" inside data centers . Even in drought-prone regions like Phoenix, nearly all data centers built in the past decade use air-cooled or closed-loop systems requiring minimal outside water—often less than a golf course .

Myth #3: "They'll make my electric bill go up."

Data center power is planned years in advance, coordinated with utilities, and built into long-term infrastructure upgrades . These facilities often help strengthen and modernize the grid, with utilities shifting the economic burden for upgrades to data center providers to ensure residential ratepayers aren't negatively affected . The real driver of rising energy costs has been overregulation and premature shutdown of reliable baseload power plants .

Myth #4: "They're major polluters."

Data centers don't produce smoke, release chemicals, or dump waste—they're essentially buildings full of computers . Moreover, they're becoming major drivers of renewable energy development. Tech companies are signing massive clean energy agreements: Meta just expanded its Texas solar partnership to over 1.3 GW, with a single 600 MW project supporting 100% clean energy for its U.S. data centers . Google is pairing solar with long-duration battery storage to provide clean, around-the-clock power . These investments accelerate the transition to renewables far faster than would happen otherwise .

Why Development Must Go Forward

Economic engines for American communities. Data centers create a gravitational pull for supporting businesses—power distribution, cybersecurity, consulting, and tech companies establish operations nearby, revitalizing previously underutilized areas . By 2030, data centers could contribute approximately 4.1% of national economic output .

Essential digital infrastructure. Modern life depends on them. Banking, healthcare, education, government services, communication—none function without data centers . With AI revolutionizing every sector, America's leadership depends on having the infrastructure to support it.

National security and economic competitiveness. The Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book confirms data centers are now a primary driver of U.S. economic growth, with manufacturing activity expanding largely due to defense and data center demand . China and Europe are racing to build competing infrastructure—America cannot afford to fall behind.

Innovation in sustainability. Data centers are testing grounds for advanced cooling, renewable integration, and water conservation—innovations that benefit everyone .

The Path Forward

The challenge isn't whether to build—it's how. Smart developers are adopting "Community-First" frameworks with commitments on energy, water, jobs, taxes, and skills . The companies that succeed engage communities early, explain the benefits transparently, and demonstrate how these facilities become regional assets rather than just technical footprints .

Data centers aren't something to fear—they're the foundation of our digital lives and a powerful opportunity for American communities to thrive in the AI era.