OPINION: Get the facts on data centers

May 9-One basic thought about data centers: Let's get the facts.

There's a proposal to build one in Pottawatomie County, near the big power plant by St. Marys. That has engendered loud opposition, including at a raucous meeting in Wamego this week.

That opposition is understandable, but I would encourage everybody to learn more before letting emotions take over. Because neither fear nor greed make for rational decision-making.

Data centers are basically big warehouses filled with computer servers, storage systems and networking equipment. They exist to provide the computing power necessary to operate the digital world we have come to depend on - and most particularly, the use of artificial intelligence. Demand for these data centers is exploding because of the exponential growth of AI.

They don't generally employ many people, and they use electricity and water, which circulates to cool the equipment. They also emit a hum.

Fear starts from the notion that they will chew up electricity and therefore drive up rates for other local customers. And that they will suck up water, thereby draining resources from the people who live here.

But technology is changing, and what was true a little while ago may no longer be true. Also, the reality is that data centers are going to get built somewhere, given the amount of money on the line, and if they're built anywhere in the Midwest, whatever the effects on water and power usage will affect us here anyway. Power is shared in a grid, and water resources follow rivers and streams.

Meanwhile greed starts from the premise that landowners will make a bunch of money selling to the developers, and governments will rake in tax revenue, helping to limit tax increases on the rest of us.

So what's true and what's just emotionalism?

Let's listen. Let's look for solid academic research. Let's not discount facts that support an opposing viewpoint or look for conspiracies, or assume motives. Question your own assumptions most of all.

Riley County commissioners were smart to create a moratorium so as to study the issue. Pottawatomie County planners are trying to come up with regulations. Other jurisdictions in the area are going to be facing these same issues.

This is a good time for a broad discussion across the region. And that starts with the pursuit of facts.

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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 5:18 PM.