Data center growth deserves facts, not fear, says Brewster Bevis

Brewster Bevis argues that data centers support everyday online services, expand local tax bases, create jobs and can be developed with environmental improvements. Florida leaders are discussing regulation and local decisions are still pending.

Data centers are central to many everyday online services and are drawing attention as Florida leaders consider legislation and local officials review new projects. The article connects the growth of data centers to local tax revenue, jobs and broader economic development while noting environmental innovations and the need for oversight. It presents polling and an independent study to support those points. The piece urges that conversations remain grounded in facts rather than fear. Reported points: - Data centers support online banking, telemedicine, remote classrooms, video calls and cloud storage, the article says. - The article states data centers can expand local tax bases and provide revenue for education, emergency services and infrastructure while often imposing minimal demands on roads or schools. - It cites polling commissioned by the AIF Center for Political Strategy finding 64% of informed Florida voters would support a new data center in their community, including 77% of Republicans. - The article notes construction creates well-paying jobs and ongoing operations sustain technical and security positions, and that data centers can attract other businesses. - It reports that environmental concerns are being addressed through new cooling methods, recycled water use and broader adoption of renewable energy. - The piece refers to an independent study by Energy and Environmental Economics Inc. (E3), commissioned by Amazon, which the article says found Amazon pays the costs to power its data centers and in some regions pays more than the cost, creating surplus revenue for utilities. Summary: The article presents data centers as contributors to digital services, local revenue, jobs and economic diversification when developed responsibly. It also highlights reported technological and environmental advances and the importance of transparency and oversight. Florida leaders are discussing regulation and local project decisions are still pending. Undetermined at this time.