Frequently asked questions and common myths

Source-backed answers about hyperscale data centers, NDAA Section 5949, and the water, noise, electrical, light, heat, and neighborhood impacts communities face.

Data centers, the basics

NDAA Section 5949

Water — myths and facts

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Noise — myths and facts

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Electrical grid — myths and facts

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Light — myths and facts

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Heat — myths and facts

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Local appearance and land — myths and facts

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Frequently asked questions and common myths

Data centers, the basics

What is a hyperscale data center?

Why are so many being built right now?

How are sites chosen?

Do they create local jobs?

Where do I see the projects near me?

NDAA Section 5949

What is NDAA § 5949?

Does it apply to private data centers?

MythMyth: "Chip provenance is a federal issue, so local boards can't ask about it."

Why should I care about chip provenance?

Water — myths and facts

MythMyth: "Modern data centers are closed-loop, so they barely use water."

MythMyth: "The water is returned, so nothing is lost."

How much water does a hyperscale campus use?

Can my community see the actual numbers?

Noise — myths and facts

MythMyth: "If it passes the local decibel limit, it isn't a problem."

MythMyth: "Noise only matters during construction."

What noise levels are typical at the property line?

Electrical grid — myths and facts

MythMyth: "Data centers pay their own way, so my bill won't change."

MythMyth: "They're 100% renewable, so no fossil generation is added."

MythMyth: "The grid has plenty of headroom."

What should I ask my utility?

Light — myths and facts

MythMyth: "Security lighting is required to be that bright all night."

MythMyth: "Light spill doesn't affect anything but the view."

What lighting conditions should a permit include?

Heat — myths and facts

MythMyth: "Waste heat just disappears into the air."

MythMyth: "It's too small to change local temperatures."

Can waste heat be put to use?

Local appearance and land — myths and facts

MythMyth: "A landscaping buffer solves the visual impact."

MythMyth: "Data centers don't affect property values."

MythMyth: "The land can be returned to farmland later."

Environmental impact, overall

Are the emissions accounted for?

What about air quality from backup generators?

Where can I get help organizing locally?