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Data centers are popping up across the country and one of the largest being constructed is in Abilene TX. This data center, known as "Project Stargate", consists of 1100 acres in comparison to Rider Park in Gamble Township, which is 868 acres. This maga center has 6400 construction workers and will support 1700 long term jobs and will have a combined power capacity of approximately 900 magawatts. It will be basically a small city operating 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The impact to local residents, the environment, and wildlife will be enormous.
The purpose of these centers is for bolstering the proliferation of generative artificial intelligence, and the hunger for power associated with this boom is staggering. The electricity used for these centers has doubled in just six years and is projected to double again by 2028. As centers connect to the power grid the demand for electricity increases and large centers can consume 5 million gallons of water per day. Only 3% of the earth's water is freshwater, and only 0.5% of all water is accessible and safe for human consumption.
People need to know when these projects are being proposed because the public deserves a seat at the table when it comes to their community. Local government must consider the tremendous amount of energy and water required to power a data center and what affect it will have on local resources. They should also have the right to demand that energy be generated, delivered, and consumed in the most responsible way possible. The goal should be to prevent spikes in utility bills, and also consider how the light pollution and noise pollution and carbon emissions will affect the local resident.
RON BEACH
Montoursville
Submitted by email