All the Disquietude about Data Centers!

If you ever wondered why there are so many data centers in the world and you just looked up the meaning of disquietude on your phone……. well, that’s the reason.  Okay I admit that is way too simplified as AI data centers (hyperscale) facilities have come on board it changed the game.  AI has been a change for the entire planet from military platforms like pilotless airplanes (drones) to accounting and healthcare to personal household management all have been impacted by artificial intelligence.  Certainly, there is a natural proclivity to give a side eye to rapid or extreme change but that is not necessarily a bad thing.  After 40 years of “Terminator” and its follow-on franchise films how can any human not be a little skeptical of what these behemoth data facilities might bring to our community.

The local response has been a bit more visceral, concerns about power bills, water availability, safety of our kids and losing the wild Wyoming we all love are all concerns.  Amid all of this we have had government agencies around the country do less than a stellar job of informing the public of what’s happening to them.  The once mundane event of locating a new company in town has become a point of tragedy, dishonesty and even emotional upset and distrust. 

Where do we go from here?  I always find it best to return to foundational principles when there are questions of economic efficiency and government.  Regardless of political bloviation or outrageous claims of progress or disaster your chamber is committed to building a better future for all our people.  With the aforementioned in mind let’s look at the principles that should guide American business in this conversation.

1. Free enterprise and capitalism should be our north star.  If we want to have a great future neither data centers nor any business is the answer but together, they are the ultimate answer.  Business is itself a worthwhile pursuit and we should work to create an environment that celebrates the pursuit of business both large and small and makes it as easy as possible to build those firms.
2. Data Centers or any type of company is neither our savior nor our devil.  Companies play by the rules that our community our nation and our state put in the rule book.  So many times, certainly in this case, the public has become irritable about the rules or lack thereof perpetuated by the regulating governmental body.  If we don’t like the way things are developing, we should aim our efforts at the governing authority not the business that is playing by the rules we set up.  Once the regulated environment meets the needs of the community, state, or nation the business can decide if they want to take on the risk promulgated within that jurisdiction.
3. Transparency from government in times of change is paramount and as a business organization we should demand it.  Regardless of the change, a new missile system, a data center build or a drought that requires water conservation a republic demands accountability.  I understand this isn’t easy in today’s dynamic climate, but we should demand clarity and honesty from the “ruling class” regardless of it being easy or comfortable to accomplish the goal.
4. We should fight for business but maintain ethical humanity while we do so.  Chambers should fight for business but not at the cost of the community.  Business and Community are symbiotic.  One cannot thrive without the other.  When we sacrifice either the other is sure to pay a deep price.  We are in this together let’s not pretend that the benefit to one is somehow paramount.
5. Maintain our principles, maintain our principles maintain our principles.  Let me say it one more time maintain our principles.  Regardless of who or what is involved we should work to uphold our principles and carry them out with honor.  Enough Said!!

Here is the deal folks, Data Centers are a part of our future!  The horse is already out of the barn and running down the road on this one. The question is what will our future look like with them as our neighbors.  We have choices, if we need to modify a few regulations to guide data centers to be better neighbors and corporate citizens then let’s do that.  Future generations are depending on us so let’s get to work.

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