Data Center Fears Overblown: Jobs, Water, and Energy Concerns Inflated

Executive Briefing

• Research shows data centers boost local employment 4-5%, with construction jobs up 11% and information-sector jobs rising 22%
• Reveals water use statistics are misleading — all U.S. data centers combined consume less than 0.5% of national freshwater
• Highlights electricity concerns are real but location-dependent, noting Texas expanded capacity while keeping prices low
• Argues political opposition is outpacing evidence, with 71% of Americans opposing new data centers despite documented economic benefits