By Ross Schriftman
Tel. 307-333-4040 (Home number)
Email: Ross.Schriftman@proton.me
What is so great about data centers? In the last year or so, this has become a major topic of discussion among Wyomingites. The increase in the number and size of these facilities that have been built, planned or proposed has raised many concerns.
Besides the significant amounts of resources to operate data centers such as energy and cooling issues of the computers with the use of our state’s water, there is the environment concerns. That includes noise and disruption of the habits of birds, mammals, plants and insects.
However, the biggest question is this. What is the purpose of these businesses? At a recent presentation I asked this question of an executive of one of the companies planning to build a large plant need Casper. He said that the consumers are the benefits because these centers will provide all kinds of information to us.
After thinking about this and reading many articles on the subject, I realized that we are not the customers. Instead, we are the product to be sold to large companies that want to market their products, services and political ideas to us. Our information about our buying habits and views on important issues are vital data points for everyone from companies like Google, Amazon and Microsoft to political operatives.
For those who are skeptical, ask anyone running for political office this summer about the number of organizations that have contacted them offering data on Wyoming voters. They claim that political candidates who purchase their systems and their data will be able to know what books you read, what movies you see and what types of food you buy. That way a candidate will be able to determine who may vote for or against him or her. You may find that creepy. I certainly do.
The politicians see dollar signs from the build-out of these facilities. They claim that there will be great jobs, a booming economy and revenue to fill the coffers of state and local government if only we all get behind these projects. We need to be skeptical about these claims.
Recently, I spoke to a friend who is an electrical contractor. He is concerned that these centers may take away his employees for the one or two-year build-outs by offering higher salaries and benefits like group health insurance. Down the road, he and his local business may be gone for lack of trained and qualified electricians.
But, wait. Wouldn’t these organizations bring in their own workforce? Of course, they will. However, it will not be for the highly technical local folks who have certain Wyoming required certifications like electricians.
We should slow down and think about all the ramifications for our local communities and our state before fast-tracking what may turn out to be not so good for Wyoming and our people.
