The great American data center divide
by Susannah Savage, Rafe Rosner-Uddin, Eva Xiao, and from Ars Technica - All content on (#758RM)
In Tazewell County, Illinois, Michael Deppert depends on a natural pool of water beneath the sandy soils of his farm to irrigate the pumpkins, corn, and soybeans growing in his fields.
So when a data center was proposed about eight miles away, he feared it would tap the same aquifer, potentially eroding crop yields and profits.
Deppert, who is also the president of the local farm bureau lobby group, says locals were also nervous" about how a data center would affect the good, clean drinking water." Residents launched a fierce opposition campaign, packing city council meetings and mounting petitions. After several months, the project, led by developer Western Hospitality Partners, was scrapped.