Many in our community are taking a hard look at data centers. As one of them, I'd like share my current thoughts--current, because I have changed my mind more than once along the way.

I stopped trying to evaluate whether Google should build a hyperscale data center at the Port of Little Rock or AVAIO in Pulaski County near Wrightsville. These are done deals. State law prohibits us from banning data centers, so all that can be ­done is attempt to delay or complicate the process in hopes of slowing them down or discouraging the developers. There are better uses of the precious time we have before these two data centers break ground.

The City of Little Rock and Pulaski County have chosen not to impose data center moratoriums on Google or AVAIO. I initially supported a moratorium, but no longer. A moratorium could result in litigation and continued controversy, thereby diverting attention and resources from more important tasks. There is still ample time to study critical issues and enact regulations that are fair to Google and AVAIO while protecting electric ratepayers, nearby residents, and businesses. Supply chain and labor constraints are slowing data center construction nationwide, so the time line is not as tight as it might seem.

I do support a pause on new hyperscale data center applications beyond these two projects while the process that approved Google and AVAIO gets a closer look. The approval appears to have been rushed with an inadequate understanding of the complex issues.

Decisions on appropriateness of data centers are sound when based on facts. Therein lies the problem. Facts are hard or impossible to obtain, and the issues are so complex an average person would find it hard to conclude how data centers will affect us. That is why independent verification steps (outlined below) matter more than assertions by parties who are not independent.

A friend asks a great question: How do data centers benefit us? I struggle to answer because local benefits may or may not be that great. Data centers generate few jobs, use a lot of resources, and generate reduced amounts of taxes due to incentives. Data centers may have a positive effect on our electric bills. Google has made important community investments tied to its West Memphis data center and here in Little Rock. This indicates it plans to be good corporate citizens. Supporters of data centers also point to their strategic importance nationally, though how long today's data center designs remain useful is an open question as AI technology evolves.

Let us break down the issues that should be addressed before Google and AVAIO break ground:

From a developer's standpoint, proximity to power and water supplies is extremely beneficial. From a nearby residents' standpoint, the biggest concerns are noise, air pollution, excessive added humidity, and nighttime light.

Unlike crypto mines, noise from data center buildings is rarely a problem. These facilities are well insulated. The major risk comes from generators or turbines used for backup power or, in some cases, as a primary source of power. The latter is the bigger concern since generators or turbines used as primary power run........

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