They may feel invisible to us, but their impact is not. Data centers create real environmental concerns, and their growing demand represents a real and present danger.
Behind every video stream, Google search, AI prompt, or online purchase are data centers. These centers are filled with computers that run day and night. They help power modern life, but they also use enormous amounts of our resources. They create air pollution, light pollution and noise pollution that can disturb nearby neighborhoods and wildlife.
A $15 billion Amazon-funded data center project is currently being built in Hobart, just minutes away from our schools and neighborhoods. Originally, the land was planned for a truck distribution center, but residents fought against it over concerns of increased traffic. Data centers were then presented as an alternative.
The centers may reduce semi-truck traffic, but they bring an entirely new set of concerns, one such being excessive water usage. According to Hobart Mayor, Josh Huddlestun, the data center is expected to use about 14 million gallons of water every year for cooling systems. Those in favor claim that amount is manageable, but many residents fear that local water resources will be reduced or depleted as more and more data centers are constructed.
Unsustainable energy usage is another major issue. Data centers require massive amounts of power to consistently run thousands of servers without down time. Amazon officials claim the project includes upgrading electrical sources and the use of backup generators to lessen the dependence on existing sources. However, it is a concern that the growing number of facilities in places like Hobart could eventually raise energy demands in the area. Residents fear they will bear the burden of higher electricity costs while corporations receive hefty tax breaks.
The Hobart City Council approved major tax abatements for Amazon’s data center campus, including a 10-year property tax break and equipment tax exemptions lasting decades. The city argues the deal will eventually bring millions of dollars into the community and help fund public services. However, many residents firmly believe that large corporations should pay their full share of taxes.
Noise pollution is also a growing concern. While data centers do not have constant truck traffic, they are far from silent. Large cooling systems, industrial fans, and backup generators run regularly to keep servers from overheating. The constant mechanical humming can and will permanently change the quiet atmosphere of nearby neighborhoods. Amazon claims the Hobart facility will meet local sound regulations, but many residents remain skeptical.
Additionally, backup generators powered by diesel fuel release emissions into the air during testing and emergencies. Construction itself also adds dust, emissions, and destruction of land. These issues have raised concerns of air pollution as well, leaving residents to worry about the impact on farmland and wildlife surrounding the buildings.
Centers are also being proposed in Merrillville. Locations include: AmeriPlex at the Crossroads Business Park along Broadway and south of 93rd Avenue, Colorado Street and Harms Road, and 101stAvenue, east of Deep River.
Data centers may power the Internet, but our communities are left to deal with the environmental and financial consequences that come with them.
