A data center is proposed near you. Ask these six questions.
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How much water will the site need on its busiest day?
Ask about water use on the busiest day, not only the yearly average.
Source: US Department of Energy, How data-center cooling uses water, accessed November 10, 2026.
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What supplies the electricity when the site needs it?
Ask whether a renewable claim covers the whole year or every hour.
Source: US Environmental Protection Agency, Annual and hourly electricity matching, accessed November 10, 2026.
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What will run on the site, and how often?
Ask what engines or turbines will run, for how many hours, and under which permit.
Source: US Environmental Protection Agency, Air rules and permits for data-center power equipment, accessed November 10, 2026.
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What will neighbors hear, especially at night?
Ask what noise limits apply at nearby homes and who checks the finished site.
Source: Fairfax County, Virginia, An adopted local rule requiring noise studies, accessed November 10, 2026.
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Who pays if the project needs new infrastructure or closes early?
Ask which adopted terms set the project’s costs, and who pays if it closes early.
Source: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, Wisconsin final electricity-cost decision, May 21, 2026, accessed November 10, 2026.
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Which promises are required, and who can enforce them?
For each promise, ask whether it is an adopted condition and who can enforce it.
Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, What environmental permits cover, accessed November 10, 2026.