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Hell yeah
I’m so confused so it’s more politically correct to raise the license plate tax $100 million a year than it is to allow five warehouses with computers that would generate the same hundred million dollars a year because people(maybe paid protestors) scream and yell at public hearings??
100%
Yep, silly. People are clueless
I don’t think you understand how taxes and budgets work.
Its about time.
That’s our REGRESSIVE city council. Maybe they can pursue buggy whip and horseshoe companies to grow employment. Then again, they don’t need growth; they’ll just raise taxes.
According to Claude AI the one reason many communities eventually become more accepting of data centers than distribution warehouses:
* ✔ Very low traffic after construction
* ✔ No manufacturing emissions
* ✔ No loud industrial processes
* ✔ Minimal outdoor activity
* ✔ Significant property tax revenue
* ✔ High-value infrastructure
You act like these moratoriums aren’t happening across the country, with some conservative STATES passing similar policies. And, Matt, you should ask Claude to cite its sources. Its point about emissions and noise are laughable and easily proven false with an abundance of data available.
Where is the criticism of the many other Indiana counties approving new or increased wheel taxes while at the same time passing data center moratoriums? Could there be partisanship at play here? For shame!
This is so disappointing to see. This is how we go back to being Indiana-no-place. Why do we keep listening to the uninformed people who are so easily swayed by propaganda and paid instigators? You can almost draw a straight line from these people to those who supported anti-nuclear hysterics in the 1970s and left us with ponds of coal ash instead. We need leaders who can explain the benefits counteract the disinformation that is out there.
Why don’t you start leading by example? Explain all the benefits with supporting evidence for those of us apparently afflicted by propaganda? Have you considered the possibility that it might be YOU who are propagandized by pro-industry talking points?
Ok, here you go.
Water
A common myth is that data centers consume excessive amounts of water, especially for cooling. While some facilities do use water-based cooling systems, many modern data centers employ closed-loop systems or air cooling to dramatically reduce consumption. In addition, operators are increasingly locating facilities using reclaimed or non-potable water sources. Compared to industries like agriculture or manufacturing, data center water use is relatively modest and continues to decline as technology improves.
Electricity
Data centers are often criticized for their high energy usage. While it is true that they require significant power, they are also among the most efficient and rapidly improving users of electricity. Hyperscale operators are investing in renewable energy, often funding large-scale solar and wind projects that benefit entire regional grids. Many data centers operate with power usage effectiveness (PUE) levels close to 1.1, meaning very little energy is wasted. In many cases, they accelerate the transition to cleaner energy infrastructure.
Employment
Another misconception is that data centers create few jobs. While they may not employ thousands of workers on-site, they generate high-quality, well-paying technical and operational roles. More importantly, they create indirect employment through construction, maintenance, security, and local service industries. Data centers also attract complementary businesses—such as cloud services, AI firms, and tech startups—helping to build broader digital ecosystems in their regions.
Noise
Concerns about constant noise from cooling systems are often overstated. Modern data centers are designed with advanced sound attenuation technologies, including acoustic barriers, strategic building orientation, and quieter equipment. Local regulations also require compliance with strict noise thresholds. In practice, many facilities operate at noise levels comparable to light industrial or even suburban background noise.
Community and Infrastructure Benefits
They provide stable tax revenue without significantly burdening public services like schools or emergency systems. This tax base can support infrastructure improvements, public services, and community development. Additionally, they enhance digital infrastructure, improving connectivity and reliability for businesses and residents alike.
Instead of banning and protesting, we should be negotiating for better deals. For instance, install solar panels and batteries in the neighborhoods within a certain radius to act as virtual power plant that provides peak or backup power.
Instead, we have petulant protesters who would have felt right at home burning witches at the stake because there was a drought.
Between the fake news and real facts it’s hard for a common person to know the truth. I would guess that 95 percent of the people protesting the data centers have never ever been to one to hear the “noise”. I watched the MDC hearing when there was debate about 65 db from a data center verse 65 db from other industries and how best to measure and it was comical. If you have a general noise ordinance of 65 db I don’t think legally you could force a data center user to have lower noise level. Unconstitutional it seems to a layman. And on this board feels like paid protestors and paid supporters.