Re:Most Americans say "not in my backyard" to AI data centers
by zardo on Wednesday July 22, 2026 @04:04PM
(#49012624)
My point is the town has three options:
1) allow the build
2) develop a set of regulations to ensure the datacenter is a "good neighbor"
3) block the build
2 & 3 have the exact same effect
Re:Most Americans say "not in my backyard" to AI data centers
by maerF0x0 on Thursday July 23, 2026 @11:44AM
(#49023462)
> 2 & 3 have the exact same effect
On the datacenter builder, maybe.
But on enacting freedom as a public value and good, no they're not the same.
And on ensuring the next "Datacenter"-like thing is fairly and equally treated? no they're not the same.
2 is superior because it sets the standards and rules for the game, and allows anyone willing to comply to play.
3. Means we have to make the decision over and over, and scratching the back of the decider might mean a favorable outcome for the next builder etc.
> they'll just build it somewhere else
Why should we have rights to say they cannot do it somewhere else? It's not a moral issue, it's a tragedy of commons issue or unpriced externality issue.