The world today looks much different than it did 50 years ago.
Personal computers. The internet. Streaming services. Search engines. Artificial intelligence. Everything is faster, smarter, more available, and individualized.
But none of it works without reliable energy.
Behind every search, click, and stream is a data center that powers our digital world.
With the rise of AI, we need data centers more than ever. Without them, America’s national security is at risk, and families and businesses feel the impact in their daily lives.
Let’s put it into perspective: what would modern life look like without data centers?
You’ve probably never thought about how AI impacts your life. While it all seems new, AI – powered by data centers – has controlled how we live our lives for years.
Here are some ways we unknowingly rely on data centers:
- Online shopping
- Sharing photos and videos to “the cloud”
- Streaming your favorite movies and shows
- Joining video calls for work
Powering our life with positive impact
Beyond powering our daily life, data centers provide positive benefits to its surrounding communities:
Job creation: In Florida, for example, a 1-gigawatt data center can create over 45,000 temporary jobs and over 5,000 permanent, high-paying jobs in the engineering, IT, and operations spaces.
Funding to schools: In Loudoun County, VA, every $1 in services that the county provides towards data centers, they receive $26 in revenue – allowing the county to re-invest this money into their school system.
Generate tax revenue: In Florida, data centers’ $2.6 billion annual operations creates $405.8 million in state and local tax revenue each year.
Increases reliability: By partnering with utilities, data centers help strengthen the grid and support a more diverse energy mix – improving energy reliability for families and businesses.
Development in America, for America
Artificial intelligence is a global race. If we do not prioritize American data center development, countries like China, who are competing for data center development, will get ahead of us increasing opportunities to penetrate cybersecurity systems and access vital personal data and national intelligence. Building data centers in America keeps critical infrastructure under U.S. control, strengthens our cybersecurity, and protects our citizens.
Moving forward means moving together
Without infrastructure siting and permitting reforms, America falls behind on all fronts – economic growth, job creation, and national security. Federal, state and local policies must move us forward, not hold us back.
The future of America is right in front of us – but only if we act now.