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We appreciate members of city council for being proactive in amending ordinances to address data centers.
We believe some of the priorities Council has identified -- rules concerning such facilities' electric and water usage and proximity to schools, daycares, hospitals and nursing homes, among other such potential neighbors -- to be the concerns municipal government should be prioritized.
As our report in last Wednesday edition noted, under state law, municipalities cannot completely prohibit data centers.
As the Sun-Gazette has noted in the past, our staff uses artificial intelligence, at this time with the creation of illustrations but likely in other ways in the future. We suspect many throughout our region use AI -- perhaps in some cases inadvertently, without realizing the app or website they are perusing relies on these technologies.
Our expectations that AI, in many capacities, will be a part of our future lives. That does not mean there should not be oversight or limitations on the development of both AI and data centers -- we absolutely believe there should be.
We also believe part of that oversight requires the sort of due diligence that can be inadequate if rushed. More time spent deliberating on the nuances of ordinances will improve public confidence that the necessary steps are being taken.
We would not be surprised if these conversations are occurring between the supervisors of our region's most rural townships as well. All remaining municipalities should follow Williamsport's lead and begin the discussions now, before applications or proposals arrive.