While nearly all of us have used Google or AI, we often don’t know how it is powered. 

Data centers are physical buildings that host information, computing servers, telecommunications, and other technology. In the U.S., there are over 5,000 data centers, and a growing need for more as AI continues to expand. 

Last month, on Aug. 22, St. Charles became the first city in the nation to enact a one-year ban on the construction of data centers. However, in September, THO Investments proposed a project for a $600 million hyperscale data processing center to support growing AI workloads. It would be built in downtown St. Louis and would replace the historical Armory building and parking lot at 3660 Market St. As AI continues to become more controversial, and the effects of data centers on our environment and communities come to light, concerns grow among St. Louis residents, and demands for the Mayor and Board of Aldermen to reject these plans have begun. 

Data centers, especially AI-based ones, put a lot of pressure on their surroundings. They require large amounts of electricity to be powered and maintained, and according to the University of Tulsa, a single data center can consume up to 5 million gallons of drinking water per day. They also cause noise and air pollution, releasing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and diesel exhaust into the atmosphere. These factors all affect the quality of life and finances of residents near the center. 

I think a data center should not be built in downtown St. Louis. Whether it’s for AI or not, the toll it would take on our city is not worth it whatsoever. There’s minimal economic benefit, as it would create few jobs, other than temporary construction ones. The cons heavily outweigh the pros, as a heavy strain would be on the environment and the people nearby.

While I’m not necessarily against AI, and I think it has its purpose, it’s not worth it to put technology over human well-being and quality of life. In such a populated community that is already impoverished, the increase in the cost of electricity bills could be detrimental for the people nearby. It’s simply greedy.

Construction of a new data center in St. Louis is just an all-around bad idea. Considering it’s such a populated and impoverished area, it seems like a scenario of pure corporate greed, as there’s no benefit for the people around it, only those who profit from it. It would be a much better idea to build it in a less populated place, away from the majority of people. If you want to get involved, THO Investments will be hosting a virtual hearing regarding this data center on Thursday  at 5:30 p.m. Information about the Zoom meeting and the link is below: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86166022564?pwd=JVn23g6AUaUVpOjNXjDeDRkAf9HlHu.1 Meeting ID: 861 6602 2564 Passcode: 123ABC

There will also be an in-person conference in the Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall at 2319 Chouteau Avenue at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 13.