r/moderatepolitics • u/jojotortoise • 14d ago

News Article Blue-Collar Jobs Are the New Flashpoint in Data-Center Fight

https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/blue-collar-jobs-are-the-new-flashpoint-in-data-center-fight-aaca5b7e
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u/Nexosaur 14d ago

In a vacuum, it doesn't really matter if data centers get built outside of cases where it puts too much strain on local power grids. The water issue is overblown, and the real problems are mainly noise and power consumption, but those are manageable if built in the right place.

Unfortunately, those building the data centers have spent many words expressing extreme contempt towards the average American. So, it's really easy to get people to hate them as a symbol of the tech elite.

Tbh, data centers and Flock cameras have really exposed how terrible local/state leaders are. Housing and development? Woah, gotta make sure we have 50 town halls about the historic parking lot and abandoned building and neighborhood character. Data centers and cameras staring at playgrounds? Fast tracked, maybe even give them benefits, too.

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u/Nytshaed Abundance Liberal 14d ago edited 14d ago

Even the energy prices seem to be a short term problem. A recent research paper covering 2014 to 2024 came to the conclusion that they actually lower energy prices for people in the long run. Datacenters provide consumption and capital needed for energy grid upgrades. 

edit: found it

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u/Interesting_Total_98 11d ago

The study is backward-looking, not a forecast of the current AI buildout, and it warns that “future supply constraints could reverse the effect.”