Data centers seem tangential to any real problem. The grid should be converting to green energy and regulation that says datacenters must also be power stations is backwards.
A gigawatt is a gigawatt. If you need a gigawatt, you pay for the generation and infrastructure to provide it, whether you're a million people or a single data-centre. The jursidictions that require data-centres to provide their own generation and electrical infrastructure are completely within their rights.
A gigawatt is a gigawatt. Power stations are more efficient the bigger they are. Put data centers in industrial zoning so the infrastructure for both power and water is already there. It's so obvious. Leave the power generating to the power companies. Yes, obviously again, the datacenters should pay for their gigawatts and solar on the roof will help keep the bill down. Why would this specific industry be required to run their own generators?
