REASON - AI Data Centers: Love Them, Or Not So Much?
Details
AI Big Data is coming to Ag Land near you!
The empty pasture that your subdivision had previously encircled is exactly the kind of place targeted for another data center.
Here in the Midwest we have land, relatively cheap electric power (so far), and easy citing of new developments (jobs!jobs!jobs!).
First we'll discuss a few items of current or upcoming interest for the REASON group itself to begin the meeting.
Following that brief part, we'll likely view one or two short videos to get on the same page concerning what the topic is about and then launch into it. I have a few graphs and other visuals that I may quietly cycle through during discussions, unless there is a question.
This meeting will be mostly discussion of Big Data Centers for AI, and whether individual electric ratepayers should fund the cost of these data centers through their utility bills, but AI itself is fair game as well.
Spoiler Alert: LB1111, currently going through the legislature, is intended to create some oversight of data center power consumption, costs, etc.
Differing viewpoints are welcomed in the discussion periods. We expect that discussions can be spirited, bear in mind that this is hosted within a public library.
Masking is not currently required to attend, but may be advisable for immune-compromised or unvaxxed people. Covid-19 levels in the state leveled out in mid to late January with Douglas County less afflicted than some other counties in central SE Nebraska. Lincoln/Lancaster has the most Covid-19 cases in Nebraska, followed by Papillion.
Sarpy County is only a little healthier than the "Three Rivers" area (Blair, Fremont, Wahoo), which had the most cases of influenza A in the state. This is higher at as many as 235 cases per 100,000 people, or 0.235%. Influenza B and RSV are gaining in numbers testing positive as well, especially in Three Rivers area and Sarpy. Douglas County is much healthier, but is surrounded by the sickest counties in Nebraska.
https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Seasonal-Respiratory-Diseases.aspx
Those who should normally be cautious are advised to protect their health as always.
Reasonable accommodations will be respected if possible.
Topics of meetings change each month. Sometimes we will have a speaker and sometimes we watch a video and discuss.
Participation is always welcome, but be ready to cite your sources if challenged.