Here is a response from a Lake County patriot regarding Timberlake Mayor’s testimony on data centers.
Hi Brian,
This is a very well-written explanation. The challenge will be helping the public understand the scope of the issue.
I have a Master of Science degree in Material Science. I understand nuclear power, as one of the biggest issues is the materials used to build a reactor and handling the resulting irradiated material resulting from the operation. I have also lived through the misinformation about environment impact.
Many of the materials we use start as an oxide or sulfide, and the refining process creates ash, acids and other toxic chemicals, consuming finite resources.
The three biggest issues I see are greed/dishonesty/lack of understanding, the power needs to operate a data center, and the water needs.
Water is likely the least of the three problems. The Great Lakes can provide a huge renewable reservoir as long as properly managed. Also, other reservoirs filled by surface run-off and rain could be a source. The issue is cleaning the water after use; we have the technology. Data centers should not be allowed to use under-ground water sources, they are too slowly replenished.
In my opinion, the power needs are the second biggest issue and unknown. The data center needs to have an independent plan for power use, with all predictions verified by independent science.
There needs to be an infrastructure plan.
I believe nuclear power can be managed and there seems to be an abundance of fuel. Burning natural gas consumes a non-renewable resource and creates greenhouse gases.
Greed/dishonesty/lack of understanding.
The list is too long for this note.
The First Energy scandal. The Flats and the need for the Clean Water Act. Hydraulic mining, clear cutting forests…etc, etc
Denying burning material that contained sulfur caused acid rain
Unexpected consequences, heavy metal contamination of the food chain, lead in paint and gasoline.
Pulling out of the ground water in Florida that supported the fragile coral rock structure and the resulting sink holes. The fear of nuclear energy and the “China Syndrome” myth. Then the ” Not in My Back Yard” phenomenon.
Most people will not either take the time or have ability to understand the best solution.
That is concept of a republic. The technology demands we pick objective experts to help design reasonable solutions.
Was the Kacish sales tax abatement a bad idea. Not if we agree we are already overtaxed and any costs to the data center get passed onto the consumer…..But I do not know the details.
I agree that the data center proponents working together appear to be counter competitive. Set the rules and let them compete to build what they need.
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Categories: Community Activism, Contributors, Uncategorized