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Lawmakers and witnesses raise community and environmental concerns over rapid data center growth
Summary
Committee members and witnesses at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing highlighted water use, diesel-generator emissions, local tax deals and possible rate increases tied to fast data-center buildouts, urging stronger local protections and demand-management measures.
At the same House Oversight and Reform subcommittee hearing, members and witnesses raised concerns about local community and environmental impacts from rapid data-center expansion, citing water consumption, diesel backup-generator emissions, limited local job creation in some deals, and pressure on utility rates.
Ranking Member Frost recounted examples of local incentives and low job counts, saying a Microsoft data center in New Albany, Ohio received a 15-year property tax exemption while “expecting to create just 30 jobs with an average salary of $50,000 a year.” He and other members warned that large tax incentives negotiated by local governments can leave communities with limited revenue for schools and services.
Tyson Slocum of Public Citizen told the panel that data…
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